German materials companies Henkel and Tecnaro have co-operated to develop polyamide additives, based on renewable raw materials, designed to improve the performance of bioplastics.
"The growing diversity of bioplastics applications is being accompanied by rising expectations on quality and processing characteristics," said Dusseldorf-based Henkel.
The Macromelt additives developed by the two companies are intended for volume plastics production.
The raw material for the additives are dimer fatty acids based on natural oils such as rapeseed and tall oil.
Henkel says Macromelt improves bioplastics performance in terms of impact resistance and fibre-matrix adhesion. In addition, the additives are capable of reducing processing temperature, depending on the plastics formulation. This diminishes the stressing of the fibres employed, with a positive effect on stability and appearance.