NagelePfitzerArboformBioplastic

Helmut NAGELE / Jürgen PFITZER

Arboform [Bioplastic\ \ [ "Liquid Wood" ]\ \ * * \ \ https://biolastics.com.au/our-raw-materials/arboform/ Bioplastics Arboform is ‘Liquid Wood’ and brings together the\ most powerful material assets of two of the most used materials\ on the planet. It combines the precision, flexibility and\ durability of plastic with the 100% recycleable, renewable,\ tactile and aesthetic advantages of wood in a single material.\ \ Arboform® is made from 100% renewable raw materials and is\ biodegradable and combustible. This material contains lignin,\ which is second only to cellulose as the most abundant natural\ polymer. The total naturally occurring production of lignin is\ estimated to be around 20 billion tonnes a year. This ensures a\ virtually endless supply of lignin as a resource and without\ influencing the farming of food. Lignin is a by-product of the\ pulp industry and can even be extracted from tree bark, sawdust\ or straw.\ \ Mixing lignin with natural fibres (flax, hemp or other fibre\ plants) and natural additives produces a fibrous composite, that\ can then be extruded into sheets and processed at raised\ temperatures and pressure for all intents and purposes.\ \ It can be decomposed by rotting, in exactly the same way as\ grown wood and can even be disposed of by burning without\ producing any additional CO2.\ \ The materials are weatherproof and UV-resistant. With the\ addition of additives, it is possible to guarantee the flame\ proofing of the material used.\ \ Properties:\ \ Made from 100% renewable raw materials\ \ Biodegradable\ \ Root wood or natural fibre look\ \ High rigidity\ \ Low shrinkage\ \ Excellent acoustic properties\ \ Moderate thermal resistance\ \ Characteristic natural odour or odourless\ \ * * \ \ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arboform Arboform\ \ Arboform (from Latin: arbor meaning tree) is a trade name for a\ bioplastic composed of three natural components: lignin,\ cellulose fibers and some additives. As a thermoplastic, it can\ be molded and is therefore also called 'liquid wood'.\ \ History\ \ Arboform was developed in 1960 by Helmut Nägele and Jürgen\ Pfitzer at the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology. In\ 1998, they founded a spin-off company Tecnaro,[1] and already in\ 2002, the company produced about 300 tonnes of Arboform and was\ selling it at a price of about $9.5/kg.[2] In 2009, Nägele and\ Pfitzer received the European Inventor Award for their work on\ Arboform.[3]\ \ Composition and properties\ \ Arboform consists of the two most abundant natural materials:\ lignin (ca. 30%) and cellulose (ca. 60%). The remaining part is\ natural additives that function as plasticizers, dyes,\ antioxidants, fillers, etc.[4] It has a similar composition,\ appearance and properties to those of wood, but it can be melted\ upon heating and molded like a thermoplastic.[5] It has been\ designed to[6]\ \     contain no synthetic phases\ \     have mechanical properties similar to those\ of polyamide\ \     be thermally stable up to 95 °C\ \     be moldable at temperatures below 160 °C.\ \ When the amount of cellulose in Arboform is increased from 30 to\ 60%, its tensile strength increases from 9.5 to 14.5 N/mm2 and\ bending stress increases from ca. 23 to 39 N/mm2, while the\ indentation hardness and impact strength remain almost constant\ at ca. 135 N/mm2 and 3.2 mJ/mm2, respectively.[7] Other typical\ properties of Arboform are:[8] thermal conductivity 0.38\ W/(m·K), electrical resistivity ~5 GOhm, water content 2–8%.\ \ Synthesis\ \ Arboform is typically sold as pea-sized granules of various\ colors. Their production method differs from those used for\ synthetic polymers in that it avoids excessive thermal stresses\ and overheating that can degrade the natural components of\ Arboform.[10] The granules can then be molded into desired\ shapes, e.g. a wrist watch frame, using injection molding at\ temperatures of 150–170 °C. After molding, the material has a\ density of about 1.4 g/cm3.[11] It can be sawed, burned and\ disposed of in ways similar to those for wood, i.e. it is a\ biodegradable material.[12]\ \ * * \ \ https://books.google.com/books?id=kUTul-zi7nIC&pg=PA101#v=onepage&q&f=false Arboform...\ \ * * \ \ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r86Fc6pQezMHelmut\ \ Nägele / Jürgen Pfitzer-- Arboform Bioplastic\ \ * * \ \ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383852851_Arboform_-_a_liquid_wood_technology_future_of_bioplastics_A_review International Journal of Zoology and Applied\ Biosciences, July 20249(4):26-33 Arboform – a liquid wood technology: future of bioplastics: A\ review Kaviya P,  et al [ PDF ] Abstract -- Arboform, also known as "liquid wood,"\ represents an innovative and sustainable approach in material\ science. It is an overview of Arboform technology, its\ manufacturing process, properties, applications, and\ environmental implications. Arboform is derived from lignin, a\ natural polymer abundant in wood, and is produced through a\ patented liquefaction process that transforms lignin into a\ moldable thermoplastic material. Unlike plastics, it offers\ several advantages, including biodegradability, low carbon\ footprint, and renewable sourcing. Its unique composition endows\ Arboform with desirable mechanical properties, such as high\ tensile strength, low thermal expansion, and excellent\ dimensional stability. Its versatility lends to a wide range of\ applications and its biocompatibility and non-toxic nature make\ it suitable for use in food packaging and medical devices,\ addressing growing concerns over plastic pollution and human\ health impacts. Despite its promising attributes, challenges\ remain in scaling up production, optimizing material properties,\ and ensuring cost competitiveness with conventional plastics.\ Nevertheless, Arboform represents a promising avenue for\ transitioning towards a more sustainable and circular economy,\ offering a renewable alternative to petroleum-based plastics and\ contributing to the mitigation of environmental degradation\ associated with conventional plastic production and disposal. It\ encompasses the potential of Arboform technology in advancing\ sustainable development goals and fostering innovation in\ material science towards a more resilient and eco-friendly\ future.\ \ * * \ \ Patents\ \ US6509397 --\ Plastic material made from a polymer blend Abst4ract -- A plastic material made from a\ polymer blend, characterized in that said material contains at\ least one lignin-based natural polymer, especially based on\ alkalilignin produced during the extraction of cellulose, and at\ least one other synthetic and/or natural polymer that increases\ the impact resistance, proteins excepted. The inventive plastic\ material has excellent characteristics. It is biodegradable on\ account of the natural polymer content and has, to a\ considerable extent, an ecologically neutral CO2 balance. The\ polymer blend can be used advantageously in place of hitherto\ used wood or wood materials.\ \ * * \ \ US2004012114 -- Method\ for producing a granulated intermediate product that is to be\ subjected to a subsequent processing in order to form plastic\ shaped bodies\ \ The aim of the invention is to produce a granulated intermediate\ product, which is comprised of a fine-particle thermoplastic or\ thermoelastic polymer and of essentially inert fillers, and\ which is to be subjected to a subsequent processing in order to\ form plastic shaped bodies by using thermoplastic processing\ methods. To this end, the invention provides that the polymer is\ mixed in powder form or particle form with the fillers and,\ without plasticizing the polymer, the powder mixture is\ compacted solely under mechanical pressure in order to form\ pourable agglomerates having a larger grain size. An agglomerate\ of this type can be processed like a conventional plastic\ granulate in order to form shaped bodies, whereby during the\ production of the intermediate product, thermal damages to both\ the fillers as well as to the molecular structure of the polymer\ can be reliably prevented, and exceptionally high filling ratios\ can be attained.\ \ * * \ \ DE102011012869\ -- Plasticizable plastic material useful in a\ polymer-molded part... [ Translation ]\ \ Abstract -- Plasticizable plastic material comprises at\ least one natural polymer including polylactide and lignin\ mixture and/or its derivatives and at least one polyamide based\ on dimer fatty acid. Independent claims are also included for:\ (1) a polymer-molded part comprising the plastic material,\ preferably in the form of constructive- and technical parts, or\ in consumer goods including toys, packaging materials and\ -films; and (2) producing the plastic material comprising\ plasticizing and homogenizing optionally by adding at least one\ additional component of fine particulate solid including natural\ reinforcing fibers (preferred), plasticizers, and other\ additives to the natural polymer including the polylactide and\ lignin mixture and/or its derivatives and polyamide based on\ dimer fatty acid, cooling, and granulating.\ \ * * \ \ WO2012110237\ -- PLASTICIZABLE POLYMER MATERIAL BASED ON THE NATURAL\ POLYMERS POLYLACTIDE AND/OR LIGNIN*[ Translation ] Abstract -- A plasticizable polymer material\ processible by means of thermoplastic processing methods is\ proposed, this comprising a proportion of at least one natural\ polymer from the group of polylactide and lignin, including\ mixtures and/or derivatives thereof. In order to improve the\ material properties, such as more particularly the impact\ resistance, of the polymer material, the invention envisages\ that it further comprises a proportion of at least one polyamide\ based on dimer fatty acid. The invention further relates to a\ polymer molding produced from such a polymer material and a\ process for production thereof, by introducing a natural polymer\ of the aforementioned type with polyamides based on dimer fatty\ acid, optionally with addition of fine particulate solids and/or\ of reinforcing fibers, especially natural reinforcing fibers,\ into an extruder, plasticizing and homogenizing in the extruder\ and then discharging from the extruder and cooling, and\ pelletization is a particular possibility. The polymer material\ may especially be in the form of a thermoplastic elastomer\ material which comprises rubber dispersed into the thermoplastic\ phase, and this may be at least partly crosslinked.\ \ * * \ \ DE102011011427\ -- Plasticizable plastic material, useful e.g. in\ polymer mold part, comprises a part of a natural polymer from\ polylactide, polyhydroxyalkanoates, cellulose esters, lignin\ and/or starch and a part of a polyamide based on dimer fatty\ **acid[ Translation\ ]\ \ Abstract -- Plasticizable plastic material comprises a portion\ of at least one natural polymer from polylactide,\ polyhydroxyalkanoates, cellulose esters, lignin and/or starch or\ its derivatives; and further a portion of at least one polyamide\ based on dimer fatty acid. An independent claim is included for\ producing the plastic material comprising plasticizing the\ natural polymer, the polyamide based on dimer fatty acid,\ optionally fine particulate solids and/or natural reinforcing\ fibers, in an extruder, homogenizing the mixture, discharging\ the materials for the extruder, cooling and preferably\ granulating the cooled product.\ \ * * \ \ DE102010052878\ -- Producing polymer-molded part comprises plasticizing\ polylactide and adding fine particulate solid material,\ dispersing in plasticized polylactide, transferring in\ molded-, calibrated- or coating tool, solidifying and cooling\ polylactide*[ Translation ]\ \ Abstract -- Producing a polymer-molded part, comprises\ plasticizing a polylactide and adding at least one fine\ particulate solid material comprising phyllosilicates and lignin\ with a melting temperature greater than the polylactide, in the\ plasticized polylactide; dispersing the fine particulate solid\ material; transferring the plasticized polylactide with the\ dispersed fine particulate solid material into a molded-,\ calibrated- or coating tool; solidifying with the dispersed fine\ particulate solids particles; and cooling the polylactide.\ Producing a polymer-molded part formed with a completely or\ primarily made of a polylactide polymer matrix having increased\ heat distortion temperature than the pure polylactide, comprises\ (a1) plasticizing the polylactide and adding at least one fine\ particulate solid material comprising phyllosilicates and lignin\ with a melting temperature greater than polylactide, in the\ plasticized polylactide, or (a2) plasticizing the staggered or\ premixed polylactide with at least one fine particulate solid\ material including phyllosilicates and lignin having a melting\ temperature greater than the polylactide; (b) dispersing the\ fine particulate solid material in the plasticized polylactide;\ (c) transferring the plasticized polylactide with the dispersed\ fine particulate solid material in a molded-, calibrated- or\ coating tool; (d) solidifying the polylactide with the dispersed\ fine particulate solids particles, where the polylactide at\ least partially is maintained over a period of at least 2\ seconds at 70-120[deg] C; and (e) cooling the polylactide An\ independent claim is also included for the polymer-molded part\ comprising a proportion of at least one fine particulate solid\ material including phyllosilicates, preferably talc (magnesium\ silicate hydrate) and lignin having a melting temperature\ greater than the polylactide, in at least 0.5 mass.%, preferably\ at least 1 mass.%, based on the mass of the polymer matrix, and\ where the polymer molded-part at least partially exhibits a heat\ distortion temperature of at least 70[deg] C, preferably at\ least 80[deg] C.\ \ * * \ \ DE10027862\ --  Composition prepared from renewable\ materials...*[ Translation\ ]\ \ Abstract -- A composition (A) for preparation of molded\ objects comprises: (a) shellac (I) as sole polymeric binder, (b)\ reinforcing fibers (II) and/or fillers (III) and (c) optionally\ small amounts of additives (IV). Independent claims are also\ included for the following: (1) molded objects prepared from the\ composition of the claim (A); (2) a method for producing the\ molded objects comprising heat-softening the composition of the\ claim (A), processing in the softened state to form the object\ and then cooling; and (3) a method for producing the molded\ objects in which a net, layer, or fleece etc. of reinforcing\ fibers is impregnated with softened shellac, shaped into a\ semi-finished product (or directly to final shape) and then\ cooled.\ \ * * \ \ DE19852029\ --  Compound board material has a matrix of cellulose\ fibers with a lignin solution as a bonding agent...*[ Translation ] Abstract -- To produce a compound board\ material, a matrix is used composed of natural polymers and\ cellulose fibers. At least part of the cellulose fibers of or in\ the matrix are treated with lignin as an adhesive before or\ during use. The cellulose fibers are treated with an alkali\ lignin solution. The cellulose material is in the form of mats,\ woven fabric or bands of fibers, soaked in a lignin solution,\ followed by impregnation with a natural polymer. The fluid\ lignin solution is evaporated as the natural polymer melts\ during the shaping of the board material. The natural polymer is\ lignin, and the cellulose fibers are opened out.\ \ * * \ \ DE102006014099 -- Production of semi-finished products\ from renewable natural materials ...\ \ * * *\ \