Pyrolysis
Enthusiasm for solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) appears to be waning as automakers explore alternatives such as semi-solid batteries
While solid-state batteries promise improved safety and faster charging times, they still face significant challenges, such as cell swelling during charging. Experts such as Julia Poliscanova of Transport & Environment note that advances in lithium-ion technology are making solid-state battery investments less attractive.
In response to these challenges, semi-solid batteries are emerging as a promising alternative. These batteries combine solid and liquid electrolytes, reducing swelling and degradation concerns. Some manufacturers, such as Nio in China, have already launched semi-solid batteries with a range of 1,000 kilometers, highlighting the technology’s potential as a transitional solution. Pyrolysis
However, lithium-ion batteries remain dominant due to their efficiency, reliability, and established supply chain. Despite interest in next-generation batteries, lithium-ion batteries will continue to dominate for the next five to 10 years, according to Bank of America’s Michael Widmer. The EV industry remains focused on finding more advanced and sustainable energy storage solutions, but a full transition could still take years.
Opinion: improving the circularity of composites through chemical recycling
Researchers at the Spanish Plastics Technology Centre (Aimplas) explain how two of its projects – Comar and Rewind – are advancing pyrolysis and solvolysis of composites
Composites are materials on the rise: 12 million tonnes of composites were produced worldwide in 2021 and annual increases of 5% are expected in Europe from 2021 to 2026. Composites provide advantages in high-performance applications requiring properties such as lightness and strength. It’s therefore no surprise that this type of material is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, wind energy, railway and maritime industries, amongst others. Pyrolysis
A composite is made with fibres (e.g. glass, carbon, natural fibres), which provide mechanical strength, and resins (typically thermosetting resins such as epoxy and polyester), which transfer stress from one fibre to another and also provide corrosion resistance, thus making these materials very strong and durable.
Due to composites’ high durability, repairing them is complex and recycling methods are significant challenged by their end-of-life stage and disposal. The only way to separate the matrix and resin is through chemical recycling (pyrolysis and solvolysis technologies) and recycling them largely depends on interaction between the cracking agent and the polymer (resin) involved. Pyrolysis
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Enhancing Sustainable Plastic Solutions with Luminy® PLA
TotalEnergies Corbion is pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation with Luminy® Polylactic Acid (PLA), unlocking its potential for durable, high-performance uses. Initially known for applications like food packaging and 3D printing, Luminy® PLA is now demonstrating its value in challenging injection molding environments. At Fakuma 2024, the premier plastics processing fair, TotalEnergies Corbion will showcase advancements in Luminy® PLA to meet rising consumer and brand demands. Pyrolysis
Expanding Luminy® PLA Durability and Applications
Originally tied to single-use products, Luminy® PLA’s durability has been enhanced through improved heat resistance, mechanical strength, and weatherability. These advancements make it suitable for sturdy items like cosmetic jars, electronics, and dishwasher-safe products. New compounds, including flame-retardant and impact-resistant versions, open doors for technical and safety-critical applications.
Seda Cantekin, Global Segment Leader at TotalEnergies Corbion, emphasized, “Luminy® PLA supports global sustainability goals as it’s renewable and has a lower carbon footprint than traditional plastics like ABS and PP. Pyrolysis
Plus, it’s compatible with standard processing techniques like injection molding, ensuring performance without compromise.”
Showcasing Innovation at Fakuma 2024
At Fakuma 2024, Luminy® PLA will be featured in durable medical and healthcare applications, including biobased pill bottles and medical instruments. The focus also includes closed-loop recycling initiatives supporting a circular economy.
In addition, 3D printing and nonwoven applications will be highlighted at their exhibit in Hall 5, booth B5-5214. Pyrolysis
ReBioCycle, a consortium of 20 partners, has embarked on an ambitious project aimed at advancing the recycling of bioplastics across Europe
Funded by the Circular Bio-based Joint Undertaking (JU) under the EU’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme with a budget of €7.5 million, the initiative will establish three dedicated hubs in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and partially in Ireland to pilot advanced bioplastic sorting and recycling technologies. Pyrolysis
The project, which kicked off at University College Dublin last week, will explore various recycling methods, including mechanical, chemical, enzymatic, and microbial recycling. By testing these diverse approaches, ReBioCycle aims to demonstrate their scalability and pave the way for effective bioplastic waste management.
Leading the Dutch hub, Jan Pels, chief technology officer and managing director of TORWASH, emphasized the project’s goal to enhance the availability of recycling technologies specifically designed for biodegradable plastics. “The current recycling technologies available for recycling biodegradable plastics are limited,” he stated. “With this project, we aim to make them broadly accessible, addressing common concerns about the recyclability of biodegradable materials.” Pyrolysis
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Evonik Pulls Out of Non-core Businesses, Including Polyolefin and Polyester Lines
Materials supplier will focus on coating and adhesive resins and healthcare, and seeks to sell remaining businesses.
Evonik, which in March announced it will cut 2,000 jobs by 2026, will now reorganize its two core businesses — coating and adhesive resins and healthcare — and seek to sell its remaining businesses, including its polyolefin and polyester lines.
More than 250 employees affected by Hanau plant shutdown
The Hanau, Germany, facility that produces keto acids for pharmaceutical applications will be shut down at the end of 2025, the company added. Pyrolysis
The approximately 260 employees affected will be actively supported in their search for new options in other businesses within Evonik or outside the group. Several strategic options reportedly are being considered for sites in Ham, France, and Wuming, China, that are active in the same business.
The company said the sale of its businesses outside its two primary cores will be done in a “socially responsible” manner in individual cases. The affected businesses, which generate $382 million in sales, could also be incorporated into partnerships. Pyrolysis
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Belgium’s DOMO & BRANO partner for polyamide pedal plate
- DOMO Chemicals and BRANO replaced die-cast aluminum with TECHNYL polyamides for the pedal support plate in a new heavy truck model, achieving a 27 per cent weight reduction and 60 per cent cost savings.
- Using predictive simulation, the part passed endurance and environmental tests, improving durability and efficiency in series production.
DOMO Chemicals and BRANO have successfully completed the replacement of die-cast aluminum with TECHNYL high-performance polyamides for the entire pedal support plate developed specifically for a new heavy truck model. Pyrolysis
The key factor in today’s environmentally conscious component development methods is the common goal of reducing CO2 emissions through a comprehensive approach. This requires the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders throughout the supply chain.
Heavy trucks OEMs focuses on metal replacement and lightweighting, while maintaining durability and reliability combined with lower fuel consumption.
“To optimize the reduction of CO2 emissions from the entire truck, it is crucial to take a holistic approach that encompasses all components and their life cycle. This includes the raw materials used, their processing, the assembly steps and, last but not least, recyclability. Pyrolysis
In this project developed for a well-known European truck OEM, TECHNYL high performance glass fibre reinforced polyamides have been used to contribute to this trend.” says Petr Škrobánek, director of Purchasing, at BRANO.
Recycling news – Ecohelix products enhancing sustainability and circularity 17-10-2024
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