Technological watch
Lignin Matrix Composites from Natural Resources – ARBOFORM®
The field of bio-based plastics has developed significantly in the last 10 years and there is increasing pressure on industries to shift existing materials production from petrochemicals to renewables.
Bio-based Plastics presents an up-to-date overview of the basic and applied aspects of bioplastics, focusing primarily on thermoplastic polymers for material use. Emphasizing materials currently in use or with significant potential for future applications, this book looks at the most important biopolymer classes such as polysaccharides, lignin, proteins and polyhydroxyalkanoates as raw materials for bio-based plastics, as well as materials derived from bio-based monomers like lipids, poly(lactic acid), polyesters, polyamides and polyolefines. Detailed consideration is also given to the market and availability of renewable raw materials, the importance of bio-based content and the aspect of biodegradability.
Topics covered include:
For more information on the Wiley Series in Renewable Resources, visit www.wiley.com/go/rrs
The field of bio-based plastics has developed significantly in the last 10 years and there is increasing pressure on industries to shift existing materials production from petrochemicals to renewables.
Bio-based Plastics presents an up-to-date overview of the basic and applied aspects of bioplastics, focusing primarily on thermoplastic polymers for material use. Emphasizing materials currently in use or with significant potential for future applications, this book looks at the most important biopolymer classes such as polysaccharides, lignin, proteins and polyhydroxyalkanoates as raw materials for bio-based plastics, as well as materials derived from bio-based monomers like lipids, poly(lactic acid), polyesters, polyamides and polyolefines. Detailed consideration is also given to the market and availability of renewable raw materials, the importance of bio-based content and the aspect of biodegradability.
Topics covered include:
For more information on the Wiley Series in Renewable Resources, visit www.wiley.com/go/rrs
SummaryIntensive efforts by research institutions and industry has been unable to generate high added value to a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, the natural polymer lignin. Chemical pulp mills accumulate approximately more than 50 × 106 tons of it in mass every year, worldwide. A group of researchers and developers, however, developed a family of composites called ARBOFORM®, the polymer lignin being the main component of this new class of engineering materials fully based on renewable raw materials. It is applicable to equipment parts in industry and its properties enable it to be partially substituted for plastics and processed wood. Although it shows woodlike properties, standard polymer engineering technologies can process the material like a thermoplastic material. ARBOFORM can be used for various industrial products, using injection moulding, extrusion and compression moulding. Processing of the material occurs at lower temperatures than is used for synthetic thermoplastics and it does not need compounding, which saves substantial energy and cycle time. The resulting parts show a lower shrinkage than those made from synthetic plastics, reveal excellent acoustic properties and enable straightforward recycling. Continued research and development upgraded the material, giving it advanced properties. As expected from engineering plastics, these comprise high stiffness and impact strength, surface smoothness, various functionalities like flame retardancy, thermal and electrical conductivity, various colours and the absence of processing agents. In particular, advanced bio?inspired materials can be derived by pyrolysis, which maintains shape at smaller dimensions. Selected examples provide an overview of various applications for mass consumer and industrial goods, developed earlier currently under detailed investigation.
Bio-based Plastics presents an up-to-date overview of the basic and applied aspects of bioplastics, focusing primarily on thermoplastic polymers for material use. Emphasizing materials currently in use or with significant potential for future applications, this book looks at the most important biopolymer classes such as polysaccharides, lignin, proteins and polyhydroxyalkanoates as raw materials for bio-based plastics, as well as materials derived from bio-based monomers like lipids, poly(lactic acid), polyesters, polyamides and polyolefines. Detailed consideration is also given to the market and availability of renewable raw materials, the importance of bio-based content and the aspect of biodegradability.
Topics covered include:
- Starch
- Cellulose and cellulose acetate
- Materials based on chitin and chitosan
- Lignin matrix composites from natural resources
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates
- Poly(lactic acid)
- Polyesters, Polyamides and Polyolefins from biomass derived monomers
- Protein-based plastics
For more information on the Wiley Series in Renewable Resources, visit www.wiley.com/go/rrs
The field of bio-based plastics has developed significantly in the last 10 years and there is increasing pressure on industries to shift existing materials production from petrochemicals to renewables.
Bio-based Plastics presents an up-to-date overview of the basic and applied aspects of bioplastics, focusing primarily on thermoplastic polymers for material use. Emphasizing materials currently in use or with significant potential for future applications, this book looks at the most important biopolymer classes such as polysaccharides, lignin, proteins and polyhydroxyalkanoates as raw materials for bio-based plastics, as well as materials derived from bio-based monomers like lipids, poly(lactic acid), polyesters, polyamides and polyolefines. Detailed consideration is also given to the market and availability of renewable raw materials, the importance of bio-based content and the aspect of biodegradability.
Topics covered include:
- Starch
- Cellulose and cellulose acetate
- Materials based on chitin and chitosan
- Lignin matrix composites from natural resources
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates
- Poly(lactic acid)
- Polyesters, Polyamides and Polyolefins from biomass derived monomers
- Protein-based plastics
For more information on the Wiley Series in Renewable Resources, visit www.wiley.com/go/rrs
SummaryIntensive efforts by research institutions and industry has been unable to generate high added value to a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, the natural polymer lignin. Chemical pulp mills accumulate approximately more than 50 × 106 tons of it in mass every year, worldwide. A group of researchers and developers, however, developed a family of composites called ARBOFORM®, the polymer lignin being the main component of this new class of engineering materials fully based on renewable raw materials. It is applicable to equipment parts in industry and its properties enable it to be partially substituted for plastics and processed wood. Although it shows woodlike properties, standard polymer engineering technologies can process the material like a thermoplastic material. ARBOFORM can be used for various industrial products, using injection moulding, extrusion and compression moulding. Processing of the material occurs at lower temperatures than is used for synthetic thermoplastics and it does not need compounding, which saves substantial energy and cycle time. The resulting parts show a lower shrinkage than those made from synthetic plastics, reveal excellent acoustic properties and enable straightforward recycling. Continued research and development upgraded the material, giving it advanced properties. As expected from engineering plastics, these comprise high stiffness and impact strength, surface smoothness, various functionalities like flame retardancy, thermal and electrical conductivity, various colours and the absence of processing agents. In particular, advanced bio?inspired materials can be derived by pyrolysis, which maintains shape at smaller dimensions. Selected examples provide an overview of various applications for mass consumer and industrial goods, developed earlier currently under detailed investigation.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 870292.
