Polyacetal Grades Strengthened With Short Cellulose Fiber

Polyplastics has developed a series of new Duracon polyacetal (POM) grades that are reinforced with short cellulose fiber to lower the environmental impact while maintaining performance requirements. The new products are a focus of Polyplastics’ Duracircle initiative, which delivers eco-friendly engineering plastics to drive a circular economy.

Light weight with high rigidity

Compared to glass-reinforced POM, the new short-cellulose-fiber grades can increase flexural modulus without significantly increasing density, achieving both light weight and high rigidity. They also maintain the excellent sliding properties of POM.

Cellulose is a non-edible, bio-based material that contributes to a sustainable society. It is currently drawing significant attention since it is also known as a carbon-negative material that absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Regenerated cellulose fiber

These new Duracon POM grades utilize regenerated cellulose fiber produced by the solvent method, which results in almost no waste. Since cellulose is difficult to dissolve in solvents, most cellulose fiber is produced via a complicated process in which cellulose is denatured, dissolved in a solvent, spun, and then denatured again to return to cellulose.

100% of used solvents are recycled

Related:Lightweight TPE Incorporates Recycled Content

However, the solvent method used here is a simplified process of dissolving cellulose and spinning it in a solvent without denaturing. This is an efficient closed process in which virtually 100% of the used solvents are recycled. The unique production process provides a lower environmental impact, including reduced CO₂ emissions.

Compared to glass-filled Duracon POM, short-cellulose-fiber-reinforced grades have a lower dynamic friction coefficient and less wear when carbon steel (S45C) is used as the mating material. This means that both high rigidity and excellent sliding properties can be achieved.

The new POM grades currently are being sampled by end users and processors.