(Plastemart) -- At K 2010, Arkema is showcasing its extensive range of specialty polymers, the concrete embodiment of its R&D (Research&Development) drive to develop innovative chemicals that increasingly focus on the challenges of sustainable development.
Bio-sourced plastics today account for 30% of Arkema's technical polymer business, taking up around 2/3rds of its R&D activity. These plastics feature properties that are equivalent or superior to those of their fossil-fuel-based counterparts.
Arkema's expertise in castor oil chemistry for over 60 years with its Rilsan polyamide 11, 100% derived from this chemistry, recently helped bring out four new polymers: Pebax Rnew, a biosourced elastomer up to 90% derived from castor oil, Platamid Rnew, the first hotmelt adhesive entirely of renewable origin, Rilsan Clear Rnew, the first transparent 54% biosourced polyamide, Rilsan HT, an ultra tough high temperature polymer fulfilling today's general need for lighter materials.