PRODUCTIVITY FIRST
Published: 15/05/2020
ABM Composite Oy launches its new series of Biodegradable and Compostable products with high productivity.
The new range of ArcBiox™ MFA products solves one of the problems most felt by the operators of the injection molding sector: plant productivity.
This family of materials allows to work with the same processing cycles of most of the common fossil polymers
As we all know, it is essential to fully exploit the limited thermal properties (HDT) offered by Biopolymers, in order to compete in the world of thermoplastic materials, as an alternative to fossil products.
Among the most internationally well-known Bio products, PLA (polylactic acid) is certainly one that is widely used in the market.
In order to express the best of its thermal characteristics, this material needs to crystallize completely during the molding process. To achieve this it is necessary to set the mold at 110°C and to leave the part for a rather long time in the instrument.
For polyesters like this, the degree/level of crystallization is closely connected with the thermal performance of the material and therefore of the molded article.
We have already had the opportunity to address the topic of bioplastics and their future.
It should be remembered that, according to the writer, these new raw materials have come into the market due to a growing need for harmony with the planet that hosts us and they will evolve without interruption.
If the goal is to reduce 95% of CO2 emissions per ton of material produced, while also imagining a complete breakdown of the material at the end of its useful life, in a controlled environment (industrial compost), only highly Bio materials can give an adequate answer.
However are organic materials able to replace their fossil cousins?
Overcoming limitations
The fully Bio and compostable materials currently known have several technical gaps that slow down their rapid proliferation on the market and require careful analysis by engineers and designers.
Not to mention the quantities produced each year, which are still extremely small compared to the market needs. Here below we list some of the gaps recognized by the market operators:
a. Limited thermal stability during processing (degradation in the plasticizing cylinder)
b. Less heat resistance at the conditions of use (low HDT or softening temperature under load)
c. Longer working cycles (cooling or crystallization times in the mold)
d. Property decay over time (poor info on regression curves)
e. Permeability to gas and humidity
f. Odor or taste release
With the new ArcBiox ™ MFA range, highly Bio and compostable, ABM is one of the most innovative partners for injection molding companies.
The new range of available products offers an immediate answer to points (a), (b), (c), strictly linked to the correct crystallization of the PLA based polymer compound.
Points (d) and (e) are already on the agenda of the company’s R&D department.
Point (f) of the list finds an answer in some specific grades that must always be tested by the customer, according to his application needs.
To find out more about the available grades and their applicability to replace fossil products, send us an email or call us on +39 02 39449567.
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