Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
8753209 
Meetings & Symposia 
Mirel biobased, biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs): Renewable materials for the growing bioplastics marketplace 
Taylor, K; Darby, D 
2009 
1 
273-308 
English 
Current trends within the plastics industry have brought biobased and biodegradable polymers quickly to the forefront of the plastics industry. This has been driven by many social and economical factors. While these types of polymers are not new to the polymer industry, their availability and processability are bringing innovation to the marketplace. Metabolix, Inc. has made great strides in the past few years to commercialize Mirel™ bioplastics. Biobased plastics made from PHAs are engineered for use in durable applications yet are completely biodegradable in a wide range of environments - including soil and marine - at the end of useful product life. PHAs such as Mirel can offer performance and environmental benefits that are distinctively different from the majority of other bioplastics that typically require industrial composting to biodegrade. Like conventional plastics, there are many different types of bioplastics. PHA bioplastics offer unique physical properties that can be ideally positioned to meet stringent application and product requirements. Conventional, petroleum-based plastics are not degradable and only add to the world's growing solid waste problem. Mirel™ resins from Telles™ are biobased and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Commercial grades of Mirel™ are injection molding, blown and cast film, and sheet extrusion. Grades in development include thermoforming, foam, nonwoven, fibers and monofilaments. Mirel is an engineered bioplastic that processes on conventional equipment and infrastructure. Mirel bioplastics "plastic" properties include: • Biodegradability • Biobased aliphatic polyester • Semi-crystalline thermoplastic • From film to rigid, properties vary from near LDPE to HDPE, PP, PS • Withstands hot liquids, HDT >120°C (e.g. coffee, soup) • Chemical resistance similar to PET • Good barrier and grease resistance • Good printability Key characteristics of Mirel are complete biodegradability in soil and marine environments, high heat resistance and water resistance properties when compared to other bioplastics. Mirel bioplastics are shelf stable, easily colored with Telles recommended color concentrates.