The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) launches the next generation Paraloid BPM-515 Acrylic Impact Modifier formulated to impart toughness and maintain clarity to polylactic acid (PLA). In response to the needs of manufacturers of sustainable bioplastic packaging and durable products, Dow’s Paraloid BPM-515 enables lower cost toughened PLA compounds for manufacturers trying to penetrate these markets with environmentally advanced solutions for sustainable growth. This combination of imparted toughness and reduced cost will enable greater innovation and growth in the automotive, medical and electronics industries.
Following the introduction of Paraloid BPM-500 two years ago, Paraloid BPM-515 now offers the same benefits as Paraloid BPM-500 but with higher efficiency. Paraloid BPM-515 provides excellent impact performance at use levels as low as 1 percent, thus making Paraloid BPM-515 the industry standard for PLA impact modification.
Paraloid BPM-515 can be widely used in PLA applications but is particularly useful in applications where a balance between toughness and transparency is required such as in industrial and consumer packaged goods. With a distinct polymer morphology and composition, compounding PLA with this new additive significantly improves impact properties without sacrificing clarity. In addition to better impact properties, PLA modified with Paraloid BPM-515 show a marked increase in ductile behavior when cutting and hole punching operations are employed.
Paraloid BPM-515 complies with the August 6, 2002 EU Directive 2002/72/EC governing food packaging in the European Union. It also complies with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, and may be used up to 5 percent in food contact resins (maximum thickness of 20mil) with all types of food at room temperature and below. Although PARALOID BPM-515 can be used at very low dosages, using the modifier at levels up to 5 percent loading has not been found to adversely influence the biodegradability of PLA as measured by ASTM D6400-04 per ASTM D5388.
- Bioplastics have the potential to reduce petroleum consumption in plastics by 15-20 percent by 2025. The launch of Paraloid BPM-515 serves to reinforce Dow’s commitment to providing environmentally enhanced technology solutions for sustainable growth. The development of Paraloid BPM-515 for PLA modification supports the development of the bioplastics industry towards greater sustainability in consumer and industrial applications. The combination of improved performance with lower use cost will further open new markets and applications for our customers in automotive, medical and electronic industries.” said Tina Wei, Asia Marketing Manager for Dow Plastics Additives.
For over 30 years, Dow Plastics Additives has brought a wealth of scientific and industrial experience in toughening thermoplastic and thermoset resins. PARALOID BPM-515 is but one example of this continuing tradition.
