Purac and Arkema sign an agreement for joint development of Lactides based block-copolymers
09 September 2010. Back
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Purac and Arkema announce their collaboration in
functional Lactide-based block copolymers. These innovative block
copolymers will enhance the thermo-mechanical and physical
properties of many biobased polymers like Poly Lactic Acid (PLA),
resulting in a wider range of applications opportunities. These
copolymers are produced by combining Arkema's organic catalysis
ring-opening polymerisation technology with Purac's L- and
D-Lactide monomers.
Arkema is known for its expertise in anionic and controlled
radical polymerisation technologies. A polymer range based on these
technologies is already available on the market under the
Nanostrength® brand name. Arkema has developed a new
ring-opening polymerisation process based on organic catalysis,
thereby enabling full control over the polymer architecture. This
process helps produce high purity copolymers from cyclic compounds
such as Lactides and lactones, providing environmental benefits due
to absence of metal residues.
Purac is well known for its expertise in fermentation of lactic
acid and subsequent conversion into high purity and 100% biobased
L- and D-Lactides. These monomers are marketed under the brand name
PURALACT®. Purac is enabling the growth of the PLA market through
partnerships with leading and innovative companies throughout the
value-chain.
The combined know-how of Purac and Arkema will allow the
development of this new range of high purity functional block
copolymers containing PLA segments. This new product improves the
specific functional properties, such as thermal resistance and
impact strength in various polymers. PLA is a strongly growing
biobased thermoplastic polymer which is widely used in packaging,
textile and other consumer goods.