Degradable Polymers

1
Degradable Polymers

• A Manufacturers Perspective

2
Why Degradeable-polymers

• Degradeable products can break down into
  individual chemical components
• Can be derived from naturally renewable
  feed-stocks (close the loop)

3
The Expectations (European Study)

• By 2010 biopolymers will account for 1 million
  tonnes of polymer substitution
• By 2020 this will have grown to 3 million tonnes
• After 2020 the high cost of petrochemicals will
  change the models used to predict usage
• The potential substitution could be as high as
  33 or 15.4 million tonnes on current polymer
  production.
• Land use requirements for biopolymers are seen
  as modest not expected to cause strain on
  existing EU requirements infrastructure
• Techno-feasability of large scale production of
  Bio-based Polymers in Europe

4
Categories

• Biodegradable - enzymes
• Photodegradable - lightwave
• Hydrolysable - water
• De-linkers partial chain breaker
• Compostable aerobic degredation

5
Resin Types

• Starch Polymers
• Polyester Aliphatic and Aromatic (PBT, PBS, PHA,
  PET, PLA)
• Cellulose
• Polyamide
• Bio PUR

6
Polyester Biopolymers
Synthetic / Renewable Synthetic /
Nonrenewable Natural / Renewable
7
Tradenames

• PLA Natureworks, Lacea, Lucty
• PHA Biopol, Metabolix
• PCL Tone, Capa, Placeel
• PBS Bionel, Skygreen
• PET Biomax
• AC Eastar Bio, Ecoflex

8
Bio based polymers

• Cellulose
• Cellophane film
• Typically coated to prevent hydrolysis
• Degradeable due to hyroxyl groups

• Nylon
• Feed source is caprolactam
• Substitute for Pa 6
• Price prohibitive (DuPont DSM)

9
Bio Based Polmers

• Starch
• Partially fermented, pure, modified starches
• Amylopectin and amylose
• Corn, wheat, potato, tapioca rice
• Novamont and Natureworks

• Bio PUR
• Polyol based on bio crops
• Hydroxl dependant
• Caster oil, Rapeseed oil, Soyabean oil, Eurorbia
  oil.
• Wide range of potential properties
• Price competition limited uptake

10
Issues

• Categories
• Definitions
• Identification of types
• Managing the second use (Recycle vs Closing the
  loop)
• Marketing to the end user

11
Information Sources

• www.deh.gov.au.industry.waste.biodergadeable
• www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/
• www.biopolymer.net
• www.designinsite.dk/htmsider/r3111.htm
• www.isi.fraunhofer.de/homeisi.htm