Processing techniques and applications used for the Biopol range of polymers

8 PROCESSING TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS USED FOR THE BIOPOL RANGE OF POLYMERS 

BiopoF polymers are currently the only commercially available bacterially derived polyhydroxyalkanoates. The polymers can be processed on most types of conventional thermoplastic melt-processing equipment. Examples of product forms include a wide range of injection-moulded products and extrusion blow-moulded bottles. Foamed products can also be produced [60]. 

Cast film, sheet and tubes can also be formed by extrusion processes. Paper and board can be extrusion coated and these products exhibit good heat seal-ability, adhesion and moisture barrier properties. 

Oriented fibres, stretch-blow-moulded bottles and biaxially oriented film have also been demonstrated. 

In a very different market area, medical applications can exploit the key features of biocompatibility and relatively slow in vivo biodegradation reported for BiopoF polymers. 

---