Elastomers

Elastomers and Biopolymers

Elastomers have links between the monomers which are flexible even when the Thermoplastic has cooled down. This allows the plastic to have rubber properties.

Elastomers can generally be recycled.

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE’s)

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE’s) can be processed using conventional moulding equipment i.e. injection moulding and have the advantage of quicker production times compared to natural or synthetic rubbers.

Another advantage is that all waste and scrap material can be recycled.

TPE’s are commonly used for wire and cable coatings, for seals and hoses in the automotive industry as well as over moulding of grips onto power tools casings, toothbrushes, pens and utensils etc...

Liquid Silicon Rubber (LSR)

Liquid Silicon Rubber (LSR) is a thermosetting elastomer made up of two components, of which one is a catalyst.

These can be made using injection moulding techniques and the main advantage of this material is its ability to withstand temperatures ranging from -50C to +250C.

This makes it ideal for use in the food industry, for teats on baby bottles and for cooking and medical applications

Biopolymers

Can also be referred to as biodegradable plastics.

Conventional oil-based plastics do not break down easily and, since the bulk of domestic waste comes from this source, they have a significant and negative effect on the environment.

Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down under the right conditions.

The majority of biodegradable plastics are derived entirely from renewable sources.

Starch based polymers are produced from wheat, corn and potatoes (Potatopak).

Polylactide (PLA) is a type of biodegradable plastic used for packaging, gardening products and even some disposable nappies. It is commonly used for 3D printing.

Biodegradable plastics are used in medical implants and sutures for their ability to dissolve harmlessly into the body over time.

video

This instructional video explains how corn is made into biodegradable polymers.

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Here is a video showing in more detail how biodegradable polymers and analysis of them as a 'better' alternative..

PHA’s and PHB’s.

PHA’s are better known as Biopol and are made from natural cellulose.

PHA’s have wide ranging applications in the area of medicine in the form of dispersible fixatives such as film, screws and bone plates and also for slow release medication.

PHB’s are a variation of Biopol and are used in packaging as they have similar properties to polypropylene.

While stable in the environment, they will break down in soil.

degradable polymers

Oxo-degradable polymers have additives that promote short degradation e.g. less than five years. These help the polymer break down into a fine powder from the effects of heat, oxygen and moisture.

Photodegradable polymers will break down when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Aditives - It is also possible to help conventional polymers break down more easily by the addition of an additive such as a ‘bio batch’ This can help plastics like PE, PP, PVC, PET or PS break down in less than 5 years rather than the hundred+ currently predicted for oil-based polymers.

The downside of using these type of plastics is the degradation and time limit which could, for example, render a chair unsafe to use before its lifetime use is over or packaging of precious objects could dissolve while stored in plastic bags.

Water Soluble Polymers

Water Soluble Polymers are an increasingly popular area of biodegradation.

Products such as liquid detergent pouches make it possible to introduce the detergent into the washing machine but the pouch will dissolve in warm water releasing the liquid and removing the need for disposable packaging.

Other application include laundry bags in hospitals and any other application where a carrier will no longer be needed once it has served its purpose.

These types of polymer are still more expensive than conventional polymers and this cost is passed on to the consumer which means that only the more environmentally conscious will pay the extra, but prices are falling all the time.

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