Muthuramalingam Krishnan’s Post

BASF to Offer Butanediol and Polytetrahydrofuran with Reduced Carbon Footprints From early 2024 onward, BASF will offer its products 1,4-butanediol (BDO) and polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF®) as ‘LowPCF’ products. BASF has calculated the individual product carbon footprints (PCF) of both chemical products. The results were compared with assessments of market-wide average carbon footprints of the corresponding products of third parties. Factors Contributing to Lower Carbon Footprints: The analysis shows that due to BASF’s production setup, the PCFs of BDO and derivatives such as PolyTHF are significantly below the global average PCF of the corresponding third-party chemicals that are all produced from fossil-based raw materials. On its journey to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, BASF is the first large chemical company to make available to its customers the individual PCFs of all its sales products. The PCF comprises the total greenhouse gas emissions that occur until the product leaves BASF’s factory gate for the customer: from the extraction of resources through manufacturing of precursors to the making of the final chemical product itself. The PCF is determined by various factors. For example, energy generation in BASF’s own gas-fired combined heat and power plants generates significantly less greenhouse gas emissions compared to other conventional energy generation methods. In addition, production processes of LowPCF intermediates are characterized by high production efficiency in terms of energy and raw material consumption due to BASF’s integrated Verbund system and continuous efforts in operational excellence. Finally, LowPCF intermediates generally use oil, natural gas or Verbund by-products, but not coal, as primary raw materials. Due to its chemical properties, the use of coal generally results in a higher carbon footprint of downstream products compared to those based on natural gas or oil. BDO and PolyTHF as Essential Raw Materials: BDO is mainly used for the production of PolyTHF. BASF’s customers use PolyTHF for example to produce elastic spandex and elastane fibers that are used for a wide range of textiles such as swimsuits, sportswear, and underwear, but also outerwear such as shirts and stretch jeans. The elastic fibers ensure wearing comfort in the long run, they are resistant to moisture and microbes. PolyTHF also serves as a chemical building block for the production of thermoplastic polyurethanes which BASF customers use to make highly abrasion-resistant and elastic hoses, films and cable sheathing, primarily for the automotive industry. Other applications include thermoplastic polyetheresters, polyetheramides and cast elastomers for the manufacture of wheels, for example for skateboards and inline skates. Source: BASF/specialchem.com Follow: https://lnkd.in/fcSeK9e  

Synthetic leathers typically feature a textile base coated with polymers like PVC or polyurethanes. The challenge? These composite materials are costly to recycle and non-biodegradable, falling short of today’s sustainability standards. The EU’s Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI), part of the 2022 “Green Deal,” aims to address these issues by emphasizing product life cycles and resource conservation in design. In response, an AiF project, led by the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research and FILK Freiberg Institute gGmbH, has developed synthetic leather using identical materials for both fiber and coating. This breakthrough uses polybutylene succinate (PBS), a biodegradable aliphatic polyester sourced from biogenic materials. PBS is eco-friendly and thermoplastic, making it ideal for recycling. Key innovations include: 🔹Optimized spinning processes producing high-tenacity PBS filaments. 🔹Pure PBS fabrics serve as the textile base. 🔹Extrusion coating with PBS, creating fully recyclable synthetic leather. Read More: https://lnkd.in/enUwmDBK #leather #synthetic #innovation #sustainability #pbs

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share: POM (part 1): What is Acetal Plastic? Acetal is a plastic that is generically referred to as polyacetal and polyoxymethylene (POM) and is a general purpose, semi-crystalline, engineered thermoplastic. Acetal is commonly used for parts that need to be very stiff, have low surface friction and good dimensional stability. Dimensional stability is the ability of a plastic part to maintain its original dimensions when it is exposed to changes in temperature and humidity. What is an engineered plastic? Engineered plastics have better mechanical properties and handle heat better than commodity plastics. This makes them tougher and more suitable for extreme environments. Commodity plastics are simply not as tough. Some familiar commodity plastics are PVC, polyethylene and polypropylene. What are semi-crystalline plastics? Semi-crystalline plastics have a very organized molecular structure and sharp melting points. They will not gradually soften as their temperature increases. Instead, they stay solid until their melting point is reached. When they are hot enough, semi-crystalline plastics quickly change from solids into low viscosity or thin liquids that flow easily. The temperature range in which Acetal, with a melting point that varies by its type, can operate effectively is between -40F to 180F (40C to 82C). Copolymer and homopolymer acetal plastics: Acetal is made in slightly different formulation variations sold under various trade names. Each trade name acetal plastic is also usually made in a range of recipes that are adjusted to improve specific properties. One thing that all acetal plastics have in common is that they are either a copolymer acetal or a homopolymer acetal. The differences between copolymer and homopolymer acetal plastics are relatively small but they are measurable. Some of the better-known acetal plastic trade names: Acetron® - copolymer and homopolymer acetals made by Mitsubishi Celcon® - copolymer acetals made by Celanese Delrin® - homopolymer acetals made by the DuPont™ Duracon® POM - copolymer acetals made by Polyplastics Hostaform® - copolymer acetals made by the Celanese Kepital® POM – copolymer and homopolymer acetals made by KEP (Korea Engineering Plastics) Sustarin® C – copolymer and homopolymer acetals made by Röchling Tecaform® - copolymer and homopolymer acetals made by Ensinger Tenac™-C - copolymer and homopolymer acetals made by Asahi Kasei Tepcon® - copolymer acetals made by Polyplastics Ultraform® - copolymer acetals made by BASF (to be continued ) Source:industrialspec.com Visit MY BLOG https://lnkd.in/fcSeK9e #plastics #engineeringplastics #pom #acetal

Plastic is a widely used synthetic material in various industries. It is generally composed of long-chain organic compounds called polymers. However, the properties of plastic can be enhanced and improved by adding substances known as additives. Here are some common additives in plastic and how they contribute to improving its properties: Flame retardants: Used to reduce the flammability of plastic and increase its fire resistance. Heat stabilizers: Used to improve the plastic's stability at high temperatures. Antioxidants: Used to protect the plastic from the harmful effects of oxygen and delay the process of degradation. Reinforcement agents: Used to increase the hardness and resistance of plastic to scratching and corrosion. Plasticizers: Used to improve the plastic's flexibility and processability, helping to reduce cracking and deformations during shaping. Colorants: Used to add color to the plastic and improve its appearance. Antioxidants and UV stabilizers: Used to protect the plastic from the damaging effects of sunlight, reducing color changes and deterioration of mechanical properties. Anti-static materials: Used to reduce the accumulation of static charges on the plastic surface, minimizing potential negative effects. The additives used and their method of incorporation depend on the type of plastic and the desired application. Adding the appropriate additives can improve properties such as resistance, flexibility, hardness, mechanical properties, and heat resistance of plastic. Fillers: Fillers such as glass fibers, plant fibers, and metal powders are used to enhance the hardness and mechanical strength of plastic. They help reduce plastic shrinkage and improve its resistance to external impacts. Anti-slip agents: Anti-slip materials are added to plastic to improve its resistance to slipping, enhancing surface safety and reducing the risks of slipping and accidents. Dispersing agents: Used to prevent plastic agglomeration and improve the distribution of additives and other materials in the plastic matrix. They help maintain plastic homogeneity and improve its mechanical properties. Lubricants: Used to reduce friction and wear between plastic and other parts in applications that involve movement and operation. UV stabilizers: Used to protect the plastic from harmful UV rays and reduce color changes and deterioration of mechanical properties due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Drying agents: Some plastics used in injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion applications require drying agents to remove moisture present in the plastic and improve molding and processing properties. Antimicrobial and antifungal materials: Used in plastics used in medical and food applications to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Impact modifiers: Used to increase the plastic's resistance to impact and fracture, improving its strength and flexibility.

BASF Introduces Haptex? 4.0: The Future of Sustainable Synthetic Leather BASF launched Haptex® 4.0, an innovative polyurethane solution for the production of synthetic leather that is 100% recyclable. Synthetic leather made with Haptex 4.0 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric can be recycled together using an innovative formulation and recycling technical pathway without the need of layer peel-off process. This makes the reuse of the materials feasible. For a long time, the industry faces a challenge to reuse or recycle end-of-life synthetic leather as it is a composite of multiple raw materials, including polyurethanes (PU), PET, etc. The bonding strength of each layer is very high, making it difficult to separate them layer by layer. This complexity has traditionally made the reuse or recycling of the synthetic leather a challenge, which this challenge can now be tackled by Haptex 4.0. Owing to its recyclability, Haptex 4.0 is also produced without any waste residue, and hence a more sustainable manufacturing process. “Haptex 4.0 is a technical breakthrough and aligns with BASF's commitment to advancing circular economy principles and promoting the use of recyclable materials in various industries. With Haptex 4.0, BASF is setting a new benchmark in enabling the green transformation of our customers with sustainable, high-performance and durable materials.” said Silvia Mok, Vice President, Business Management Polyurethanes Systems, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. ...... More info pls click https://lnkd.in/ggXBHuMS

#Antioxidant #masterbatch is a type of additive used in the #plastic industry. -What is it? Antioxidant masterbatch is a concentrated mixture of antioxidants, usually in the form of pellets or granules, that is added to plastic #resins during the manufacturing process. These antioxidants are designed to protect the plastic from oxidation and degradation due to exposure to oxygen, heat, and other environmental factors. -Purpose: The primary purpose of antioxidant masterbatch is to extend the lifespan and performance of plastic products. It helps prevent issues like discoloration, brittleness, and loss of mechanical properties that can occur when plastics are exposed to oxidative conditions. -How it works: Antioxidants in the masterbatch function by inhibiting the oxidation process. They do this by neutralizing free radicals that are generated in the plastic when it is exposed to oxygen and heat. This prevents or delays the #degradation of the polymer chains. -Types: There are various types of antioxidants used in masterbatches, including primary antioxidants that prevent oxidation initiation and secondary antioxidants that interrupt the oxidation chain reaction. Common antioxidants include BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), and others. -Applications: Antioxidant masterbatch is used in a wide range of plastic products, from #packaging materials and #automotive components to construction materials and consumer goods. It's particularly important in #outdoor applications where plastics are exposed to harsh environmental conditions. -Benefits: The use of antioxidant masterbatch can enhance the durability and appearance of plastic products, making them more resistant to UV radiation, heat, and other factors that can cause degradation. -Dosage: The appropriate dosage of antioxidant masterbatch varies depending on the type of plastic, its intended use, and the environmental conditions it will be exposed to. Manufacturers provide guidelines for the correct amount to be added to the plastic resin. -Regulations: Some antioxidants used in masterbatches are subject to regulations to ensure they are safe for use in #food contact materials and other applications. Compliance with relevant regulations is crucial. -Compatibility: It's important to choose the right antioxidant masterbatch that is compatible with the specific type of plastic you are using, as different plastics may require different types and concentrations of antioxidants. Antioxidant masterbatch is an essential tool in the plastics industry for maintaining the quality and longevity of plastic products. It plays a key role in addressing the challenges of plastic degradation over time. #polymers #pvc #plasticsindustry #masterbatch

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#snsct #snsinstitutions #snsmct #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking Hello connections I am sharing something about PET. PET, or Polyethylene terephthalate, is a type of thermoplastic polymer resin commonly used in the production of plastic bottles, containers, and packaging materials. It is a versatile material known for its clarity, strength, and recyclability. Here's a breakdown of PET plastic: Composition and Properties: PET is a type of polyester made from the combination of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol through a polymerization process. This results in a lightweight, durable, and transparent material with excellent barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. PET is also resistant to chemical degradation, making it suitable for storing various types of beverages and food products. Production Process: The production of PET plastic typically involves the following steps: 1. Polymerization: Terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol are combined in the presence of a catalyst to form PET resin through a process called condensation polymerization. 2. Pelletization: The PET resin is then extruded and cooled to form pellets or granules, which serve as the raw material for manufacturing various products. 3. Molding or Extrusion: The PET pellets are heated and melted before being molded or extruded into the desired shape, such as bottles, jars, or containers. Applications: PET plastic is widely used in packaging and consumer products due to its versatility and performance characteristics. Some common applications include: 1. Bottles and Containers: PET bottles are commonly used for packaging beverages such as water, soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages. PET containers are also used for packaging food products like sauces, dressings, condiments, and personal care items such as shampoo and lotion. 2. Packaging Films: Thin PET films are used for packaging applications such as shrink wrap, food trays, blister packs, and laminates for pouches and bags. 3. Textile Fibers: PET fibers can be extruded and spun into polyester yarns used in textiles, clothing, carpets, and industrial fabrics. 4. Engineering Plastics: PET can be compounded with additives and reinforcement materials to produce engineering-grade plastics used in automotive parts, electronic components, and construction materials. Recycling and Sustainability: PET plastic is highly recyclable and can be processed into new products through mechanical or chemical recycling methods. Recycling PET helps reduce the consumption of raw materials, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing virgin plastic. Recycled PET, often referred to as rPET, is used to produce a wide range of products, including new bottles and containers, polyester fibers for textiles, and packaging materials.

Tough new pineapple leather is 60X stronger than other materials | Biofabricated.com #Biofilament #Biofabricated | https://lnkd.in/gu-BgGjU