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As early as in the 1870’s, plastic materials made of biomass have been commercialised within agricultural productivity social background. It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that petroleum plastic gradually achieved fast growth, and acqui red mainstream position in the market.
In recent years, global warming concerns associated with CO2 emission brought about by human and industrial activities drew public attention. Consequently, bio-based materials gradually returned to the market, with a promise of lower carbon emissions. The first successful bio-based products that returned to the market were biodegradable plastic materials, for instance polylactic acid or PLA. These materials can completely decompose in a natural environment, yet their physical properties keep them at a relatively low market position, especially if taken in terms of chemical resistance, UV resistance, and mechanical strength aspects. At present, they are mainly used in packaging and agricultural film.
Petrochemical-based nylon product is a representative plastic. It has recorded widespread applications in automobile, consumer goods, electronics, health care, aerospace fields. Particularly, the long carbon chain nylon PA12, which was then manufactured by the German Hules Company (now known as German Evonik Industries) in 1963. By relying on its rich experience in long carbon chain nylons, Evonik developed bio-based long carbon chain nylon product, and incorporated it into its famous VESTAMID? series.
High-performance materials
The VESTAMID? Terra product line of bio-based long carbon chain nylons are classified as high performance polymer while also promising lower carbon footprint. VESTAMID? Terra is synthesised through the route of castor oil plant – rizinus comminus – derived monomers. Evonik named all three different bio-based polyamides with VESTAMID? Terra, and created three brands: HS (PA610), DS (PA1010) and DD (PA1012).
VESTAMID? Terra is semi-crystalline polymer. HS (PA610) series with the shortest carbon chain feature have superior heat resistance, it is very suitable for high temperature applications, for example, car engine cover. DS (PA1010) series has medium carbon chain have relatively strong stiffness and
higher fluidity, for which is suitable for making into parts with high mechanical performance and complex structure. DD (PA1012) series with long carbon chain have higher impact resistance, especially in low temperature condition of -30℃, they are suitable for winter sport parts liable to impact. See Table 1.
