Issue 04/2016

Toys
Toys: latest news
lower (but constant) to that of ABS, and may cause an
issue if there is no opportunity to adjust molds for parts
assembled with very tight tolerances. However, normal
industrial tolerances should accommodate most slight
shrinkage differences. Specific density is also higher at
1.18 g/m³ compared to 1.04 g/m³ for ABS. However, the
combination of high strength and rigidity means that some
wall-thinning can be considered.
Testing bars, of course, are always injected under highly
controlled conditions to obtain optimum properties, but
injecting real parts is not always that simple. Injecting
intricate parts with ribs, openings and other design
features can always bring potential knit or welding lines
issues where two material flows meet at a precise point
in the part. In such cases, lower impact values can be
encountered, especially with less miscible polymer-additive
combinations. In fact, impact welding line resistance
became a major focus of Solegear’s later-stage research
to address conditions under which only 25 to 35% of the
IZOD value was obtained. With further iterative testing and
a number of modification to conditions at laboratory and
semi-industrial scale, Solegear’s research team devised
a proprietary solution that exceeded the Izod target value
without scarifying other properties. An optimized and
patent protected family of highly bio-based formulations
has been created and added to the Solegear’s existing
portfolio of durable bioplastics.
The Traverse XD family includes XD1000, an extremely
high bio-based (98%) formulation with high mechanical
resistance, ductility and high heat resistance. Traverse
XD1010 delivers the super tough performance with slightly
lower bio-based content (85%). For more cost-conscious
applications, Traverse XD1020 is an entry level formulation
with lower bio-based content (55%). All bio-based content
has been independently tested using ASTM D6866
standards or ISO 16620.
After intense development in lab-scale and on small
industrial compounding lines, Solegear’s XD formulations
are commercially ready for production environments
where specific parts and applications can be evaluated for
processing stability and performance at full scale. Having
met the most stringent demands within the toy industry
itself, these formulations can be applicable to other high
performance markets where stakeholders are thinking of
making a significant breakthrough toward sustainability.
A new generation of extra durable bioplastics with high
bio-based content to replace fossil fuels is no longer only
in our imagination; it is becoming a reality for visionary
companies who are ready to take the next big step towards
a bio-based economy.
www.solegear.ca
Innovation award for
Bioblo
Bioblo a young startup – company fromTulln, Lower
Austria, recently received the International Green Product
Award. The product: Bioblo, a novel play and construction
brick made from 100 % renewable resources that is meant
to capture the imagination of young and old.
More than 400 submissions from 21 countries were
judged by an international jury according to the criteria
design, innovation and sustainability. At the end, the three
young entrepreneurs from Tulln were in the lead as a
newcomer in the category Kids. As justification for the top
position, the innovative material, the unique design and
the high educational value of Bioblo blocks were cited.
Bioblos are made of mixture of wood and 100%
renewably sourced Green PE (by Braskem). The material
is thus 100 % free of oil, CO 2
-neutral and fully recyclable.
The compound was developed at the Institute of Natural
Materials Technology if the IFA Tulln (Department of
Agrobiotechnology at the University of Natural Resources
and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria) and sets new standards
in the field of ecological toys. The compound consists of
60 % wood chips from local, PEFC certified forestry and
either 40 % biobased Green-PE or recycled polypropylene
from recycled beakers.
The plastic content is limited to the minimum necessary
amount in order to fulfill the legal requirements on
stability and water resistance. The TÜV certified colorant
masterbatches are added directly during injection molding,
which replaces a subsequent dyeing or painting, and
eliminates the problems associated with such decoration
methods (staining, chipping).
The design of Bioblos resembles a perforated
honeycomb shape which is a resource-efficient but at
the same time very stable and visually appealing design.
The size of the blocks is selected so that there are no
swallowable small parts, and high towers can be built in
a short time. Unlike wooden blocks are Bioblos washable
and therefore suitable even for intensive and long time use
(for example, in nurseries and schools).
www.www.bioblo.com
References:
[1] N.N.: Proposition 65, Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of
1986 (http://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/law/proposition-65-law-andregulations)
[2] http://www.lego.com/en-us/aboutus/news-room/2015/june/
sustainable-materials-centre
[3] N.N.: PHA for safer toys, bioplastics MAGAZINE, issue 01/2016
[4] New PLA formulations to replace ABS, bioplastics MAGAZINE, Issue
03/2015
34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/16] Vol. 11