New Short Cellulose Fiber-Reinforced Acetal Grades

New acetal grades reinforced with short cellulose fiber for lower environmental impact have been developed by the Polyplastics Group and are currently being sampled by processors and end-users. The Duracon POM grades are a focus of Polyplastics’ Duracircle initiative which is said to deliver eco-friendly engineering plastics to drive a circular economy.

Moreover, the short cellulose fiber grades, when compared to glass-reinforced POM, have been shown to increase flexural modulus without significantly increasing density, achieving both light weight and high rigidity. They also boast a lower dynamic friction coefficient and less wear when carbon steel (S45C) is used as the mating material. They are said to maintain the excellent sliding properties of POM. A non-edible, bio-based material, cellulose contributes to a sustainable society and is drawing significant attention as it is also known as a carbon-negative material that absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

These POM grades utilize regenerated cellulose fiber produced by the solvent method, which generates almost no waste. Because 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. However, the solvent method is a simplified process of dissolving cellulose and spinning in a solvent without denaturing. This has been shown to be an efficient closed process in which virtually 100% of the used solvents are recycled. The unique production process provides lower environmental impact, including reduced CO₂ emissions.