Nov 30 2009
Rhodia is introducing a new environmentally friendly polyamide - the organically sourced 6.10 range - as a complement to its polyamide range.
In keeping with its commitments as a responsible chemical company, Rhodia is developing a polyamide 6.10-based product line that is more respectful to the environment. Produced primarily from renewable materials, it offers high-performance and economically attractive solutions that contribute to a reduced environmental footprint.
The production of a ton of polyamide 6.10 - in part from castor oil - requires 20% less fossil fuels than a ton of a conventional polyamide, whilst providing an equivalent property performance. The team of Life Cycle Analysis experts from Rhodia's R&D department measured a significant reduction in the environmental impact related to its production from raw materials of plant origin (i.e. a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions). "For Rhodia, sustainable development represents both a framework of stringent requirements and a vast array of opportunities. This new breakthrough provides additional evidence of this potential," points out Sustainable Development Director Jacques Kheliff.
Thanks to its exceptional properties, this new polyamide also falls into the category of a high-performance plastic and is a fitting complement to the Technyl and Technyl Star ranges. It broadens the field of application of polyamides to numerous additional cutting-edge applications, thanks in particular to:
- its excellent mechanical and thermal performance, displaying a high melting point of 215°C, similar to that of a PA 6.
- an exceptional chemical resistance, comparable to that of Polyamide 11 and 12
- very high gas barrier properties
- low water absorbtion, halfway between that of polyamide 6 and polyamide 12.
Rhodia products developed from polyamide 6.10 constitute economical high-performance alternatives, specifically suited to the manufacture of flexible tubes for the power-assisted control systems market and fittings and adapters for the engine fuel systems market.
Meeting the traditional needs of injection technologies, in which Rhodia has acquired particular expertise over the years, this polyamide is also perfectly adapted to the specific requirements of extrusion technology. This makes Rhodia a major player in a full range of high value-added technological solutions.
"With this innovative engineering plastic," affirms François Hincker, Rhodia Polyamide vice president in charge of Engineering Plastics, "Rhodia is able to offer its customers an attractive economical alternative; in fact, our customers are increasingly concerned about adding an ecologically responsible dimension to their product lines at optimized costs."