Press Release 13.10.2009

Bio-Based Polyamides for Reducing CO₂
Evonik Markets Bio-based PPA

In June 2009, Essen, Germany-based Evonik Industries introduced its VESTAMID® Terra, which represents a group of materials made from bio­genic resources. Now Evonik will unveil a new bio-based polyamide at the FAKUMA 2009: the polyphthalamide (PPA) VESTAMID® HTplus TGP3537. Based on PA10T, this material is a heat-stabilized copoly­amide reinforced with 30% glass fibers. It is produced by polyconden­sating 1,10-decamethylenediamine (10) and terephthalic acid (T). Because diamine is obtained from castor oil, VESTAMID® HTplus TGP3537 is a PPA based up to 50 percent on natural resources.

Compared to PA6T molding compounds, VESTAMID® HTplus TGP3537 has a broad processing window and absorbs less water. This means fewer fluctuations in mechanical properties and dimensional stability with changing environmental humidity. This PPA is particularly suitable for parts exposed to high temperatures, such as precision parts, connectors, LEDs, and filaments.

High-quality, low-carbon bio-alternative

Evonik will exhibit at this year’s FAKUMA in Friedrichshafen in Hall A4, Booth 4117. The theme is "Energy Efficiency," which covers not only lightweight construction and process optimization but also bio-based materials. Demand for these materials has risen sharply in recent years, owing to steadily growing demand for petrochemical raw materials and to customers seeking to conserve resources sustainably.

Evonik is meeting this demand not only with its new VESTAMID® HTplus TGP 3537 molding compounds but with a whole group of bio-based polyamides that include PA 610, PA 1010, and blends based on them. Polyamide 1010 VESTAMID® Terra DS, which is produced up to 100 percent from castor oil, boasts a property profile that closes the gap between long-chained high-performance polyamides like PA 12 and PA 1212 and the shorter-chained standard polyamides PA 6 and PA 66. It is suitable primarily for fiberglass-reinforced molding compounds. Poly­amide 610 VESTAMID® Terra HS, which is produced up to 60 percent from renewable raw materials, technically occupies a position between the high-performance polyamide 612 and the standard polyamides PA 6 and PA 66.

The carbon footprint of these compounds is also impressive. "When we consider its entire lifecycle, the CO2 values of bio-based polyamides are better than pure petroleum-based polyamides. VESTAMID® HTplus TGP3537 and VESTAMID® Terra products, therefore, make a vital con­tribution to the conservation of fossil raw materials and a reduction in greenhouse gases," explains Dr. Harald Häger, head of product and process development at Evonik's High Performance Polymers Business Line. On Wednesday, October 14, 2009, Häger will expand on this topic at the FAKUMA Forum in a lecture entitled "Because We Care—Polyamides from Renewable Resources." The event organizer will make the lecture available for downloading at the end of the exhibition.

In addition to polyamides based on renewable raw materials, Evonik has also produced Polyamide 12 and 612 molding compounds, Polyamide 12 elastomers (PEBA), and petrochemical-based polyphthalamide molding compounds for about 40 years under the VESTAMID® trademark. These materials have been used by well-known manufacturers for decades.

Company information
Evonik Industries is the creative industrial group from Germany which operates in three business areas: Chemicals, Energy and Real Estate. Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, an expert in power generation from hard coal and renewable energies, and one of the largest private residential real estate companies in Germany. Our strengths are creativity, specialization, continuous self-renewal, and reliability. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In its fiscal year 2008 about 41,000 employees generated sales of about €15.9 billion and an operating profit (EBITDA) of about €2.2 billion.

Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

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