26 August 2014
Details
A technology using the greenhouse gas to produce
a key component for high-quality foam (polyurethane)
is already moving toward commercial use.
Bayer MaterialScience’s research into
carbon dioxide as a new raw material for making plastics
is delivering further successes.
In laboratory tests, the company has succeeded in
significantly further reducing the need for petroleum
at precursor level through the incorporation of CO2.
Plastics and their components are normally based entirely on oil.
The new process also extends the range of plastics
that CO2 can be used to produce.
This is the result of
the Dream Polymers research project
in which Bayer MaterialScience is continuing its activities
to find new uses for CO2.
Dr. Christoph Gürtler,
Project Manager
A technology using the greenhouse gas to produce
a key component for
high-quality foam (polyurethane)
is already moving toward commercial use.
The proportion of petroleum in this chemical is 80 percent.
“We have now succeeded in reducing the petroleum content
for making other plastics to just 60 percent,”
Project Manager Dr. Christoph Gürtler.
Twofold use
Carbon dioxide is used twice in the new process.
First, the greenhouse gas is incorporated directly into
a new kind of precursor
(polyoxymethylene polycarbonate polyol),
replacing 20 percent of the petroleum.
Second, it is also used indirectly,
producing a chemical that is also incorporated into
the precursor for a further 20 percent saving in petroleum.
“As a result, the proportion of alternative raw materials
is already 40 percent,”
In addition to this, the number of plastics
that can be produced using carbon dioxide is increasing.
“It is now also possible to manufacture
thermoplastic polyurethanes, films and
casting elastomers in this way,”
Such plastics are used in all kinds of applications,
including automotive interiors, cable sheathing and
sporting goods such as ski boots.
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