Polyester Blends/BASF

Chem. Descrip. Ethoxylated fatty amine, sulfated fatty alcohol ether Uses Dyeing aux., antiprecipitant in the one-bath dyeing of polyamide/polyacrylic, wool/polyacrylic, and wool/polyester blends Uniperol KM [BASF AG]... 

Biodegradable plastics have been used on an industrial scale since the end of the 1990s when BASF launched Ecoflex . This is a fossil-based, man-made polyester but yet is completely biodegradable due to its chemical structure. This structure is also the reason why Ecoflex combines excellent mechanical properties with the good processability of synthetic thermoplastics. Ecoflex is the preferred blend partner for bio-based and biodegradable polymers, which typically do not exhibit good mechanics and processability for film applications by themselves. Ecoflex therefore is a synthetic polymer that enables the extensive use of renewable raw materials (e.g., starch). 

In November 2005, BASF announced that it was expanding its Ecoflex-brand natural plastic line with Ecovio, a blend of NatureWorks PLA and Ecoflex, which is polyester-based. Ecovio production began in October 2005 at an undisclosed location in Germany. The first Ecovio LBX 8145 grade contains 45% by weight of PLA that is chemically bound to the Ecoflex. BASF said the first application will be in flexible films used for shopping bags. 

Astracel [BASF], TM for a group of fast dyes for union shades on polyester-carbon blended fabrics. 

Cottestren C. [BASF AG] Mixed dyes for polyester/cellulose fiber blends. 

Di arge Agent DP. [BASF] Stabilized sulfoxylate deriv. reducing agent for discharge and discharge resist printing on polyester, acetate, triacetate, and their blends with polyamide. 

PLA can also be blended with other polymers. BASF has introduced Ecovio, a polymer blend of 55% of BASF s biodegradable polyester Ecoflex and 45% PLA, in the market very successfully and has started a major investment to increase both Ecoflex and Ecovio capacities at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany in early 2009 [8]. 

Figure 4.155 Tensile strength vs. temperature for BASF Ultradur S4090—low warpage PBT/ASA blend polyester alloy/ blend resins.

Figure 4.157 Dielectric constant vs. frequency at 23°C for BASF Ultradur S4090 G4—low warpage PBT/ASA blend, 20% glass fiber polyester alloy/blend resin.

In 1995, BASF announced the development of a biodegradable thermoplastic copolyester based on starch feedstock. A plasticizer reportedly is blended on-line with the copolyester to form a material which is antistatic, has good toughness, and good elongation at break. In 1999, BASF listed Ecoflex as the trade name for their biodegradable polyesters. ... 

Because these polymers in general have poor water resistance, and poorer mechanical properties than conventional polymers, they have been introduced into the market either as blends (with biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, such as Ecoflex from BASF, or BionoUe from Showa Polymers) or as grafts with others synthetic monomers such as vinylalcohol, caprolactone, or acrylonitrile [25,26]. 

BASF has introduced their aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters (AAC) product under the name Ecoflex . This material is widely used to produce compostable packaging and films. According to the BASF s corporate website, annual production of Ecoflex has risen to 60,000 MT to keep up with the demand for biodegradable plastics, which is growing at a rate of 20% per year. At the same time, BASF also produces a blend of polyester and PLA — a product called Ecovio . This high-melt-strength polyester—PLA can be directly processed on conventionally blown film lines without the incorporation of additives. Moreover, Ecovio has extraordinary puncture-and tear-resistance and weldability. Another company, Eastman, has also produced AAC, with the tradename Eastar Bio . Eastar Bio has a highly linear structure, while Ecoflex contains... 

The aliphatic-aromatic co-polyester Ecojlex F BX 7011 from BASF AG has melting temperature T = 110-115 °C and does not need drying. However, before melt blending with PLA, AAC resin was dried at the conditions presented above. Flakes and discs of the biodegradable polymer blends were dried using the same protocol as for poly(lactic acid). 

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