Additives for Biopolymers

From compostable packaging to biodegradable plastic cutlery, biopolymers are on the rise. The only limits are technical performance and processability. VINNEX^® are poly(vinyl acetate) based additives which allow the combination of several biopolymers and therefore improve performance and processing. 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) or cellulose acetate (CA) compatible with each other. This makes it possible to precisely adjust physical properties as required. The biodegradability of the biopolymers blends is maintained. In addition, most VINNEX^® grades are suitable for use in food-contact applications.

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 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^® resins are particularly suitable for blown film extrusion and injection molding applications – both processing and mechanical properties are greatly enhanced when the additive is added. It is thus possible to make highly transparent PLA films with good heat sealing properties and a 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 – Blend with PLA:

Improved impact strength
Improved compatibility with polar fillers and other biopolymers
Improved performance in film sealing
Enhanced flexibility

Benefits of VINNEX^® Resins in Bioplastics – Blend with PLA:

Increased melt strength
Improved processability
Reduced noise of PLA films
Maintained transparency
Good performance in film sealing
Improved adhesion to paper

Applications:

Packaging (cups, bottles, films, trays, shopping bags)
Textiles (shirts, furniture)
Nonwovens (diapers)
Electronics (mobile phone housing)
Agricultural applications (blend with thermoplastic starches (TPS) for mulch films)

PHA/PHB Applications

VINNEX^® poly(vinyl acetate) based additives enhance the physical properties of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). PHB is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that is produced via fermentation of renewable raw materials with properties very similar to those of petroleum-based polypropylene (PP). Adding VINNEX^® to PHA/PHB making it almost comparable to standard thermoplastics. Depending on the VINNEX^® content and grade, it is possible, for instance, to optimize crystallization or lower the melting point. Combined with the high heat resistance of PHB, makes it possible to use the material in applications such as hot filling. Furthermore, VINNEX^® resins simultaneously increase PHB's elongation at break and its tensile strength.

Benefits of VINNEX^® Powder in Bioplastics – Blend with PHA/PHB:

Enhanced flexibility
Improved compatibility with polar fillers and other biopolymers

Benefits of VINNEX^® Resins in Bioplastics – Blend with PHA/PHB:

Enhanced flexibility
Higher mechanical toughness
Increased melt strength
Optimized crystallinity
Enables film blowing with PHB

Applications:

Cutlery
Packaging (boxes, bags, foams)
Mulch films
Personal care (razors, tooth brush handles)
Office supplies (pens)
Golf pins
Toys
Household wares

PBS Applications

VINNEX^® poly(vinyl acetate) based additives greatly reduce the recrystallization rate of Polybutylene succinate (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 VINNEX^® content and grade, and by adding PLA, flexibility or stiffness can be adjusted as required. Furthermore, VINNEX^® enables higher levels of organic and inorganic fillers 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.