PolyOne Corporation introduced reFlex 100, a fast-acting bio-based plasticizer, at NPE 2012. This new technology is produced from rapidly renewable plant-based feed-stocks, and was developed in collaboration with Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM). In addition, it is one of the first bio-plasticizers to be awarded recognition by the USDA Bio-Preferred program, which has granted reFlex 100 a 94% bio-based label.
With its fast-acting (high solvating) performance, reFlex 100 can be an alternative to conventional plasticizers such as BBP, DBP, and benzoates, many of which have come under regulatory pressure. Further, with reFlex 100, customers can improve productivity, reduce the amount of plasticizer and stabilizer required, and eliminate defects for greater operational efficiency and profitability.
As manufacturers strive to find alternatives to traditional plasticizers, they have often been forced to sacrifice productivity. Unlike other alternatives, reFlex 100 can be blended into both traditional phthalate and new non-phthalate systems, providing a formulating tool that helps reduce costs by improving productivity, eliminating defects, and reducing consumption. In addition, customers can leverage the bio-based nature of this product to expand their offerings with differentiated solutions.
To improve productivity, reFlex 100 offers faster setup times and reduced viscosity versus other traditional plasticizers. It helps to eliminate defects through improved air release and thermal stability. Because it is more efficient, reFlex 100 also reduces the amount of plasticizer needed during processing. It acts inherently as a thermal stabilizer as well, which may enable processors to eliminate the need for stabilizers in their formulas.
In 2008, PolyOne and ADM announced an alliance to develop bio-based plasticizer technologies. reFlex100 is the first technology launched from this collaboration.
PolyOne
www.polyone.com
Filed Under: Materials • advanced
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