Spain-based plastics technology centre AIMPLAS is spearheading a project called SINTEPOL that aims at finding new ways of biopolymer synthesis and modification routes through reactive extrusion processes.
Biopolymers are produced from living organisms.
The initiative, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and IVACE, seeks to meet the challenges faced by plastics sector in attaining efficiency in obtaining alternatives to traditional plastics.
AIMPLAS said in a statement: "A specific aim is to increase knowledge of reactive extrusion processes and the introduction of chemical modifications in biopolymers, with a view to improving their mechanical properties and obtaining materials suitable for highly demanding applications, whilst providing high added value in competition with conventional plastics."
The SINTEPOL project in 2014 worked on the enhancement of plasticity and thermal resistance of polylactic acid (PLA). Two approaches were adopted -- one involved plasticisers derived from fatty acids by means of reactive extrusion processes, and the other synthesis of new plasticisers for making them compatible with PLA.
AIMPLAS is also working on cutting down weight of materials and plastic products. It is experimenting with the addition of a low level of graphene for enhancing the mechanical properties of polymers.
Transparent thermoplastics have the advantage of 40% weight reduction as against those of glass. They are capable of being used in medical, railway, street furniture, building and packaging sectors.
AIMPLAS has estimated that transportation of 10 million of 375ml full jars would demand 73 lorries less if plastics, instead of glass, are used for packaging.
