K 2010. Showing the Power of Natural Fibers: Bio-based Polyamide Reduces CO2 Emissions

Ever since the launch of the “jute, not plastic” campaign in Germany over 30 years ago in an effort to protect the environment, people assume that natural fibers automatically mean less convenience or worse performance. The natural fiber-reinforced VESTAMID® Terra developed by Essen, Germany-based Evonik Industries proves that this is not the case. Reinforced with materials such as bamboo fibers, the bio-based polyamide molding compounds have outstanding mechanical and physical properties and are in no way inferior to other engineering plastics. Thanks to their lower carbon footprint than exclusively petroleum-based polyamides, VESTAMID® Terra products make a significant contribution toward conserving fossil fuels and reducing the greenhouse effect. This is something that has been confirmed by TÜV, Germany’s Technical Inspection Association.

Evonik currently offers two types of bio-based polyamides: VESTAMID® Terra DS is a 100% bio-based polyamide 1010, while VESTAMID® Terra HS is a polyamide 610 that contains approximately 60% renewable raw materials. Each type is available in two different viscosities as well as glass fiber-reinforced with a glass fiber content of 30% to 65%. VESTAMID® Terra DS is now also being marketed with 5% to 50% bamboo fiber reinforcement as a purely natural product. The DIN CERTCO organization for conformity assessment confirms the conformity of VESTAMID® Terra DS with the corresponding standards as >85% bio-based.

VESTAMID® Terra molding compounds are semicrystalline and are thus distinguished by high mechanical strength and good resistance to chemicals and stress cracking. They also have high to very high heat deflection temperatures and a low absorption capacity for water, so that the good mechanical properties are retained even at high humidity. These compounds can be processed on all injection molding machines adapted for polyamide and are also suitable for filament production.