InnoREX: new polymerisation route for Polylactic acid PLA

InnoREX, under the leadership of the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical technology ICT, Pfinztal (Germany), is funded within the European FP7 programme. The project consortium consists of eleven partners, thereof 6 small and medium enterprises, 4 research centres and a trade association.

The aim of the research is to realize a new polymerisation route for Polylactic acid (PLA) through a novel reaction concept for the continuous, highly precise, metal-free polymerisation via reactive extrusion.

Using alternative energies such as Ultrasound, Laser Light or Microwave energy within a commercial co-rotating twin screw extruder the alternative energy sources will allow a dynamic control of the reaction and the resulting molecular structure of the polymer. An in-line cleaning device will purify the polymer to remove any traces of the remaining catalyst and monomer residues and hereby count for an excellent product quality.

For further information and to follow our progress within the next 3 1/2 years please visit our webpage www.innorex.eu.

This research project receives funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6) under grant agreement number 309802.

Project outline:
InnoREX: InnoREX FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6, grant agreement number 309802
Budget: 3,3 Mio. €
Project duration: 1.12.2012 – 31.5.2016

Partners:
Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technolgy (ICT)
Gneuß GmbH
University of Mons
Hielscher Ultrasonics GmbH
Muegge GmbH
S.C. Consultants
Materia Nova
BH Industries
Talleres Pohuer
Asociación de Investigación de Materiales Plásticos y Conexas (AIMPLAS)
Associazione Nazionale Construttori di Machine e Stampi per Materie Plastiche e Gomma (ASSOCOMAPLAST)
Cranfield University