Bio-based and biodegradable PCE flexibilizers for modification of bio-based polymers

Technological Overview

A Polish research organisation has developed a group of high-efficiency, bio-based and biodegradable flexibilizers and functional additives designed for the modification of bio-based and biodegradable polymer matrices.

The additives are based on polycarboxylate ethers (PCE), which are high-molecular-weight organic compounds with a complex three-dimensional macromolecular architecture, such as comb-shaped or star-shaped structures. Due to their branched structure and designed functional groups, the additives show high chemical reactivity and strong potential for further functionalisation (by introducing e.g. alkyl, unsaturated, hydroxy or epoxy groups).

Furthermore, the developed additives exhibit high thermal stability with a degradation onset temperature exceeding 200°C. This thermal resistance ensures their stability under typical melt-processing conditions and enables their application across various polymer processing technologies, including extrusion, injection moulding, and film blowing.

The technology can be used to improve the flexibility, compatibility, processability and selected functional properties of biopolymers, while supporting the development of safe-and-sustainable-by-design bio-based polymer materials. The additives have already been tested with several biodegradable or bio-based polymer matrices, including PLA, PBAT, PCL, PHB, PBS, PVA, TPS and polymer blends (such as PLA/PBAT). The modifiers can be effective at low loading levels, typically around 5 wt%, depending on the polymer matrix and the required final properties. This low-dosage efficiency may contribute to reduced material consumption and improved economic and environmental performance of the final polymer formulation.

Advantages and innovations

The proposed technology offers the following advantages and innovative aspects:

• bio-based and/or biodegradable approach supporting circular economy and safe-and-sustainable-by-design principles;

• high efficiency at low dosages, typically around 5 wt%;

• possibility to adapt the additive structure to specific polymer matrices (polymer blends) and target properties;

• significant improvement of interfacial adhesion and phase morphology between immiscible polymers in polymer blends;

• tailor-made molecular architecture, including comb-shaped or star-shaped three-dimensional structures;

• controlled molecular weight in the range of approximately 5–120 kDa;

• high density of functional groups and enhanced chemical reactivity;

• chemical versatility and potential for further functionalisation;

• possibility to introduce additional functional groups, such as alkyl, unsaturated, hydroxy or epoxy groups, depending on the target application;

• controlled one-pot synthesis enabling adjustment of chemical composition and polymer properties;

• thermal stability allowing processing at temperatures up to 200°C;

• scale-up readiness, with the possibility to produce PCE-based additives in batches of up to 100 kg;

• suitability for further pilot-scale and pre-industrial validation.

Our Organization

Poznan Science and Technology Park (PPNT) is the first science and technology park in Poland, established in 1995 and operating within the Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation. We bridge the gap between academic breakthroughs and industrial application. As a research and technology organisation, we work in organic chemistry, advanced materials development and agrochemistry.

Our expertise includes:

• PCE design and synthesis: tailor-made bio-based and/or biodegradable flexibilizers and functional additives with selected functional groups.

• Scale-up excellence: laboratory- and pilot-scale synthesis, with infrastructure enabling scale-up of PCE production to 100 kg per batch.

·         Application-oriented formulation: optimisation of additive dosage and compatibility for specific applications and polymer matrices, including PLA, PBAT, PCL, PHB, PBS, PVA, TPS and their blends.

·         Basic material characterization

·         SSbD contribution: support for safe-and-sustainable-by-design development and for technology transfer towards industrial applications.

• Science dissemination and popularization: organizing conferences, workshops and trade fairs.

Collaboration

We are looking for projects to join as research institution and consortium partner.