from the earth - into the earth PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate) Urs J. Hänggi, Biomer Eindhoven 2008

from the earth - into the earth PHB serves biological needs, not plastics despite of this: - absolutely linear -> low melt viscosity -> thin walls - absolutely isotactic -> extremely crystalline -> creep resistant - absolutely no nucleants -> control of spherulite size - not thrombogenic or immunogenic Eindhoven 2008

from the earth - into the earth Compounding PHB - mixture of nucleants -> tough - mixture of low and high mw plasticizers -> ductile - other processing aids -> stabilize melt -> Like soft PVC, PP, or PE-HD Eindhoven 2008

from the earth - into the earth Example clips - sharp edges (letters BIOMER) - glossy surface (background of BIOMER) - soft, pleasant touch Eindhoven 2008

from the earth - into the earth Example fireworks - heat resistance - density (sinks in lakes) - fully biodegradable on land and on bottom of lakes Eindhoven 2008

from the earth - into the earth Example smoke grenades - thin and thick parts in same shot - shock resistance (creep resistance) - resistance to chemicals - shelf live 5 years (-40 to +60°C) - fully biodegradable - ruminants are not harmed (produce milk!) Eindhoven 2008

from the earth - into the earth Example ELISA sticks - surface properties (balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic) - not thrombogenic, not immunogenic ->ideal for medical devices Eindhoven 2008

from the earth - into the earth Example film hindge - Stretching crystalls -> last forever Eindhoven 2008

from the earth - into the earth Summary compounded PHB (selection) - like PP or PE-HD plus - of renewable resources - biodegradable in aerobic (garden, compost) as well as in anaerobic environments (sewage tanks, bottom of lakes, sea) - adjustable melt viscosity - creep resistant - thin walls, complex structures, sharp edges (LCP type behavior) - shiny surfaces, agreeable touch - medical devices Eindhoven 2008