Functional bioplastics
The current level of global bioplastics production capacity is around 350,000 tonnes. This has been forecast to grow to around 1 million tonnes by 2010. Bioplastics already account for 60% of the biodegradable materials market in Europe, particularly within the packaging materials sector. Japan has also been a pioneer in bioplastics, incorporating them into electronics and automobiles.
Scion has developed new bioplastic materials using a combination of commercial bioplastics and variously treated waste derived, or bio-based, polymers, fillers and additives. Novel waste treatment and compounding technologies have been combined to allow the development of environmentally intelligent bioplastic materials which can be processed into a range of functional bioplastics products.
These products can be tailored to provide distinctive performance features such as higher impact strength, improved heat resistance, enhanced durability and controllable degradation profiles.
In a first of its kind, Scion, Clariant and Mulford Engineering have produced the Biopeg® by formulating a combination of materials. It is tough enough to be hit with a hammer, initially weather resistant to allow it to perform its function, but will break down benignly over time. The two-part design also incorporates differential degradation profiles for the washer and peg.
This type of niche product development is part of the large movement towards bioplastic manufacturing occurring worldwide, whereby innovation solutions are needed for specialised applications.
Scion has developed new bioplastic materials using a combination of commercial bioplastics and variously treated waste derived, or bio-based, polymers, fillers and additives. Novel waste treatment and compounding technologies have been combined to allow the development of environmentally intelligent bioplastic materials which can be processed into a range of functional bioplastics products.
These products can be tailored to provide distinctive performance features such as higher impact strength, improved heat resistance, enhanced durability and controllable degradation profiles.
In a first of its kind, Scion, Clariant and Mulford Engineering have produced the Biopeg® by formulating a combination of materials. It is tough enough to be hit with a hammer, initially weather resistant to allow it to perform its function, but will break down benignly over time. The two-part design also incorporates differential degradation profiles for the washer and peg.
This type of niche product development is part of the large movement towards bioplastic manufacturing occurring worldwide, whereby innovation solutions are needed for specialised applications.