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RadiciGroup Launches Bio-based PA Line at FakumaRadiciGroup Launches Bio-based PA Line at Fakuma

One grade of the new Bionside family of materials already has applications in the automotive sector; several more grades are in development.

Norbert Sparrow

October 16, 2024

1 Min Read
Erico Spini, RadiciGroup
RadiciGroup's Erico Spini holds court at Fakuma.Norbert Sparrow

Italy’s RadiciGroup introduced a new line of bio-based engineering polymers at Fakuma this week. Global Marketing Manager Erico Spini unveiled the Bionside portfolio, part of the company’s more-established Radilon family of products, at the company’s stand (1106) in Hall A1.

From castor seeds to engineering polymers

Made primarily from castor seed oil, which does not compete with the human and animal food chains, one Bionside grade sold under the Radilon D (PA 610) brand already has multiple real-world applications. Spini cited cooling line connectors and cooling pipes for the automotive sector along with water management products. The material reportedly exhibits excellent hydrolysis resistance and, thus, dimensional stability. “We can fulfill the most stringent technical requirements for hose applications,” stressed Spini, while reducing the material’s environmental impact by more than 50% compared with virgin polyamide. RadiciGroup can provide life-cycle analysis data to back up its claims, he added.

100% bio-based PA in the pipeline 

The company has also developed several experimental grades, which are currently undergoing testing, including Radilon P (PA 56) with about 40% bio-based content that features high crystallinity and moisture absorption as well as a melt temperature of 252°C, Radilon TT (PA 1012), and 100% bio-based Radilon PX (PA 510). 

RadiciGroup is also highlighting its new family of PBT-based halogen-free, flame-retardant materials for the e-mobility and electronics sectors at Fakuma.

The common thread in all of these developments is a firm commitment to sustainability. It’s in the company’s DNA: Radici started in the textiles business, and “we have a long tradition of recovering scrap,” said Spini. From those origins in the 1940s, it’s a straight line to mechanical recycling and a sustainability mindset, which drives the company today.

About the Author

Norbert Sparrow

Editor in chief of PlasticsToday since 2015, Norbert Sparrow has more than 30 years of editorial experience in business-to-business media. He studied journalism at the Centre Universitaire d'Etudes du Journalisme in Strasbourg, France, where he earned a master's degree.

www.linkedin.com/in/norbertsparrow

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