Jan 27 2011
The many ways bio-based materials can enhance performance and meet consumer demand for environmentally responsible products are explored in a talk by Carol Casarino, Ph.D., global technology manager, DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers, at the inaugural Bioplastics "Reshaping of an Industry" Conference, Feb. 1-3 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev.
Casarino will present "Perspectives on Partially Bio-Based Materials," which focuses on bio-content sources, coupling agents and compatabilizers, on Wednesday, Feb. 2, at 2:30 p.m.
DuPont led the industry with the first families of high-performance renewably sourced materials to help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. These materials include: DuPont Biomax resins and modifiers for the packaging industry; DuPont Sorona polymer for fabrics and fibers; and DuPont Hytrel RS thermoplastics polyester elastomer, Zytel RS nylon and Sorona EP thermoplastic polymer for automotive and other consumer industries.
Renewably sourced DuPont™ Zytel® RS nylon is used in the Toyota Camry radiator end tank, honored with the Most Innovative Use of Plastics award in the Environment Category from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division.
Giving Shape to Smarter Ideas
This broad portfolio is used in many products across multiple industries. At the conference, DuPont
will show a Calvin Klein Golf jacket made with 100 percent Sorona "shape memory" fabric, Toyota PRIUS floor mats made with Sorona polymer, the award-winning Denso/Toyota radiator end-tank and Fisher wall plugs using Zytel RS nylon.
Concepts include:
- High-gloss cosmetic cases of Biomax PTT resin that offer great chemical and scratch resistance and in some cases eliminate the need for additional coating.
- Samples that show how Biomax Strong PLA Toughening Modifier for bio-based and compostable polylactic acid (PLA) packaging can improve toughness and reduce brittleness - without sacrificing product clarity.
- Automotive air bag door covers from Hytrel RS.
- An automotive headlamp bezel using Sorona EP.
"The opportunity to touch, feel, explore and talk about these new materials stimulates new ideas for durable and disposable products that not only reduce environmental impact, but improve the product's performance," said Casarino. "Performance improvement is an important distinction for renewable materials."
DuPont - one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals 20 years ago - has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue and research and development investment. The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products for key global markets.