New bio polymers on the cards by Dupont

29-Jun-06

DuPont's innovation of high-performance thermoplastic resins and elastomer products made from two of its latest bio-based materials are targeted at automotive, electrical, electronic and other industrial markets. Dupont estimates to commence production in 2007 of these new bio polymers Intermediates for DuPont Sorona polymer and DuPont Hytrel made with renewable resources will be made from corn sugar instead of petroleum, using a patented and proprietary process. The key ingredient in Sorona is Bio-PDO, which replaces petrochemical-based 1,3-propanediol (PDO). The new Hytrel is produced using a new DuPont polyol made with Bio-PDO. Manufacture of Bio-PDO requires approximately 40% less energy to produce than its petrochemical-based counterpart - saving the equivalent of about 10 million gallons of gasoline pa (based on annual production volumes of 100 million pounds).