Bio-based polyamid broadens use to technically advanced applications

16-Apr-10

A new bio based engineering plastic broadens the use of polyamide to technically advanced applications while reducing their ecological footprint. Rhodia has introduced Technyl eXten using polyamide 6.10, produced in part from castor oil, is respectful of the environment and offers users high-performance and economically attractive solutions along with a reduced ecological footprint. Technyl eXten’s benefits include: • Excellent mechanical and thermal performance, similar to that of PA 6 as regards its high melting point (215°C); • Exceptional chemical resistance, comparable to that of polyamide 12; • Very high gas barrier properties; • Low moisture absorption, halfway between that of polyamide 6 and polyamide 12. Technyl eXten also has a reduced carbon footprint: the production of a ton of this product requires 20% less non-renewable resources than the production of a ton of conventional polyamide with equivalent performance properties. A significant reduction in the environmental impact of the material has been measured; its production from organic raw material reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared with a product produced from non-renewable sources.