Arkema and Purac collaborate for functional Lactide-based block copolymers

16-Sep-10

Arkema and Purac on Monday have collaborated for functional Lactide-based block copolymers. These innovative block copolymers reportedly will enhance the thermo-mechanical and physical properties of many biobased polymers like Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), resulting in a wider range of applications opportunities. These copolymers are produced by combining Arkema's organic catalysis ring-opening polymerization technology with Purac's L- and D-Lactide monomers. Arkema is known for its expertise in anionic and controlled radical polymerization technologies. A polymer range based on these technologies is already available on the market under the Nanostrength brand name. Arkema has developed a new ring-opening polymerization process based on organic catalysis, thereby enabling full control over the polymer architecture. This process helps produce high purity copolymers from cyclic compounds such as lactides and lactones, providing environmental benefits due to absence of metal residues. Purac is well known for its expertise in fermentation of lactic acid and subsequent conversion into high purity and 100% biobased L- and D-Lactides. These monomers are marketed under the brand name Puralact. Purac is enabling the growth of the PLA market through partnerships with leading and innovative companies throughout the value-chain. The combined know-how of Arkema and Purac will allow the development of this new range of high purity functional block copolymers containing PLA segments. This new product improves the specific functional properties, such as thermal resistance and impact strength in various polymers. PLA is a strongly growing biobased thermoplastic polymer which is widely used in packaging, textile and other consumer goods.