PolyOne recently unveiled the revolutionary new Resound™ platform of biopolymer compounds at NPE 2009. These patent-pending compounds, formulated with a 30% minimum bio-derived content, offer a substantial boost in performance for current and future bio-based materials. Key improvements include levels of heat tolerance and impact resistance unobtainable with neat bioplastics. Resound compounds combine compatible engineering thermoplastic resins with bio-based polymers such as PLA, PHB, PHBV, and biopolyesters. Future grades may take advantage of biopolymer resins currently in development but not yet commercially available. Initial Resound grades feature heat resistance (HDT) up to 120°C (248°F) and impact resistance up to 53 J/m (12 ft-lb/in). Resound compounds are said to have better impact and heat performance compared to unfilled biopolymers, and bring performance levels in range with ABS and high impact polystyrene (HIPS).
The company says the Resound blends will meet or exceed performance requirements for durable applications previously considered out of reach for biopolymers, such as computer laptops, cell phones, PDAs, and automotive components. Manufacturability is another key feature of these new compounds, which demonstrate processing characteristics similar to traditional engineered materials. The chemical composition of each Resound compound is based on commercially available materials. Moreover, Resound compounds do not require specialty or high-purity grades.
26-Jun-09 
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