New catalyst system for efficient manufacturing of Polyalkylene Carbonates

03-May-11

Empower Materials, headquartered in New Castle, Delaware has developed a new catalyst system for efficient manufacturing of Polyalkylene Carbonates, which are sustainable polymers traded under QPAC brand name. These polymers can be used in several applications, including packaging and coatings for the food and beverage sectors. Polyalkylene Carbonates are produced from CO2. They consume fewer petrochemicals compared to other traditional plastics. The demand for such type of revolutionary green plastics has been rising due to recent increase in fossil fuel extraction and oil costs. To meet the requirement, Empower Materials had developed the catalyst technology. The company’s initiative has resulted in an efficient catalyst system and a more organized production process for creating a broad range of sustainable polymers. The major focus of the company is to optimize the manufacturing process of QPAC 25 and QPAC 40 Polyethylene Carbonates. However, the new system also enables the production of other types of Polyalkylene Carbonates, including QPAC 130 Polycyclohexene Carbonate, QPAC 60 Polybutylene Carbonate and QPAC 100 Polypropylene/cyclohexene Terpolymer Carbonate. The new catalyst and the sustainable polymers produced from the streamlined process are being assessed in different polymer applications.