Breakthrough compounds based on engineering thermoplastics expand range of uses for plant-based materials
PolyOne today announced the initial launch of the revolutionary new Resound™ platform of biopolymer compounds at a press conference held during NPE 2009. These patent-pending compounds, formulated with a 30% minimum bio-derived content, offer a substantial boost in performance for current and future bio-based materials. Key improvements include levels of heat tolerance and impact resistance unobtainable with neat bioplastics.
Resound compounds combine compatible engineering thermoplastic resins with bio-based polymers such as PLA, PHB, PHBV, and biopolyesters. Future grades may take advantage of biopolymer resins currently in development but not yet commercially available. Initial Resound grades feature heat resistance (HDT) up to 120°C (248°F) and impact resistance up to 53 J/m (12 ft-lb/in).
“With this new platform, PolyOne has intensified our efforts to help customers reach the forefront of sustainable materials usage while also improving end-product durability and heat resistance,” said Dr. Cecil C. Chappelow, vice president, innovation, sustainability, and chief innovation officer.
Unlike current biopolymers, Resound blends will meet or exceed performance requirements for durable applications previously considered out of reach for biopolymers, such as computer laptops, cell phones, PDAs, and automotive components.
Manufacturability is another key feature of these new compounds, which demonstrate processing characteristics similar to traditional engineered materials.
Resound compounds feature better impact and heat performance compared to unfilled biopolymers, and bring performance levels in range with ABS and high impact polystyrene (HIPS).
The chemical composition of each Resound compound is based on commercially available materials. Moreover, Resound compounds do not require specialty or high-purity grades.
“These solutions address the needs and challenges of our customers,” said Marcel Dartee, marketing director, biomaterials, “helping them to meet their sustainability and environmental goals. By introducing bio-based compounds that perform like engineering thermoplastics, we are making it possible for customers to reduce the environmental impact of their products.”
Resound compounds are the latest addition to PolyOne’s biosolutions portfolio, which includes Versaflex™ BIO TPEs, OnFlex™ BIO TPEs, OnCap™ BIO Additives, and OnColor™ BIO Colorants. These materials are classified as PolyOne Sustainable Solutions, which denote those products or services that meet defined standards for sustainability in areas such as renew-ability, recycle-ability, reusability, eco-conscious composition, or resource efficiency.
