Additives for Biopolymers
From compostable packaging to biodegradable plastic cutlery, biopolymers are on the rise. The only limits are technical performance and processability. VINNEX® is a polyvinyl acetate-based additive that allows the combination of several biopolymers, thereby improving performance and processability. With VINNEX®, biopolymers can be processed just like standard thermoplastics. The system makes materials such as starch, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and cellulose acetates (CA) compatible with each other. This makes it possible to precisely adjust the physical properties as required, while maintaining the biodegradability of the biopolymer blends. In addition, most VINNEX® grades are suitable for use in food-contact applications.
Silicone-based GENIOPLAST® additives enhance the processing and material properties of biopolymers.
PLA Applications
VINNEX® is exceptionally compatible with PLA and greatly enhances its property profile. Polylactic acid (PLA) is currently the most widespread renewable biopolyester and hence an ideal substitute for petroleum-based thermoplastics. Depending on the selected VINNEX® content and grade, impact strength and melt strength can be increased. In addition, VINNEX® makes it possible to manufacture high-performance polymer blends of PLA, other biopolyesters and starch together with organic and inorganic fillers. VINNEX® solid resins in combination with PLA are particularly suitable for blown film extrusion and injection molding applications. The additives greatly enhance both processing and mechanical properties, and make it possible to manufacture highly transparent PLA films with good heat sealing properties and reduced metallic crackling. The contact-adhesive properties of VINNEX® also enable the use of PLA in extrusion paper coatings and hot-melt adhesives.
Benefits of VINNEX® Powder in Bioplastics – PLA Blends:
Benefits of VINNEX® Resins in Bioplastics – PLA Blends:
Benefits of a combination of VINNEX® and GENIOPLAST® Pellet S or Pellet S Plus for bioplastics:
Applications:
PHA/PHB Applications
VINNEX® polyvinyl acetate-based additives enhance the physical properties of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). PHB is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that is produced by fermenting renewable raw materials. Its properties are very similar to those of petroleum-based polypropylene (PP). Adding VINNEX® gives PHA/PHB properties which are comparable to conventional thermoplastics. Depending on the VINNEX® content and grade, it is possible, for instance, to optimize crystallization or lower the melting point. Thanks to its enhanced property profile and high heat resistance, PHB can be used in applications such as hot filling. Furthermore, adding VINNEX® solid resins to PHB can increase its elongation at break and its tensile strength.
Benefits of VINNEX® Powder in Bioplastics – PHA/PHB Blends:
Benefits of VINNEX® Resins in Bioplastics – PHA/PHB Blends:
Applications:
PBS Applications
VINNEX®, a polyvinyl acetate-based additive, greatly reduces the recrystallization rate of PBS, thereby keeping its properties constant. PBS is produced from succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol. PBS is biodegradable in soil, but otherwise displays properties similar to those of classic polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Depending on the selected VINNEX® content and grade, flexibility or stiffness can be adjusted as required by adding PLA. What's more, with VINNEX®, higher levels of organic and inorganic fillers can be used without adversely affecting the physical properties. By improving compatibility and melt strength, VINNEX® enables thermoforming of PBS/PLA blends. This opens up new applications such as heat-resistant containers for hot filling.
Benefits of VINNEX® Powder in Bioplastics – PLA Blends:
Benefits of VINNEX® Resins in Bioplastics – PLA Blends:
Benefits of a combination of VINNEX® and GENIOPLAST® Pellet S or Pellet S Plus for bioplastics:
Applications:
Additional Information
Brochures
VINNEX® | Enabling the Next Generation of Bioplastics
DownloadVINNEX® 8880 | Additive for Biopolymers to Improve Performance of PLA
DownloadVINNEX® | Additives for Biopolymers in Paper Coatings
DownloadVINNEX® | Additives for Heat-Resistant Biopolyester Blends
DownloadGENIOPLAST® I VINNEX® Performance Additives for Biopolymers
Download