New barrier polymer offers biodegradability

04-May-09

A new vinyl-alcohol resin that features high amorphous content with the capability to tailor crystallinity has been developed in Japan. Applications of the new material, Nichigo G-Polymer, will include high-strength, flexible, antistatic, and hydrophilic functional products. One major opportunity area is packaging, including all extrusion processes. One of the more interesting possibilities is the potential to team it with polylactic acid. This would be the first 100% biodegradable film as currently used barrier layers in PLA film are not biodegradable. The material has a higher barrier than EVOH and has FDA approval for indirect food contact. The material absorbs water, even when chilled, very quickly and is targeted as an inner barrier layer for coextruded or co-injected products. Test results showed that the material absorbed water in just three seconds. In addition to having excellent gas barrier properties and good chemical resistance compared to PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) and EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) resins, Nichigo G-Polymer is said to have superior extrusion properties, orientability, shrinkability and transparency. Because it has oxygen and hydrogen barrier properties, its use as a composite with other materials such as metal and inorganic materials could take place for household power fuel cell systems, fuel-cell-powered cars and hydrogen gas stations. It has exceptionally good dispersing and aqueous solution stabilizing properties, so its use as a sintered binder and coating agent for silica, aluminazol and other metals is anticipated in the manufacture of flat panel displays and their component parts. Nichigo G-Polymer can also be used in combination with other resins in bicomponent fibers and nonwoven fabrics, filters and polymer alloys. Nippon Gohsei has established a semi-commercial plant in Japan for annual production of 300 tons of Nichigo G-Polymer. Another 2,000 tons of commercial production capacity will also be available this year. Ballpark price for an extrusion grade would be about $7/lb, about two to three times higher than competitive materials. The U.S. patent for Nichigo G-Polymer has been applied but not yet published.