EcoPaXX®
Also Known As: PA410
What is EcoPaXX®?
EcoPaXX® is a high-performance, biobased polyamide (nylon) developed by Envalior. It is an aliphatic polyamide that uniquely balances the benefits of both short and long chain polyamides, offering low moisture uptake and high mechanical performance. EcoPaXX® is approximately 70% bio-based, derived from castor plants, which do not compete with the food chain.
What Makes EcoPaXX® Different?
EcoPaXX® stands out due to its combination of properties:
- Low Moisture Uptake: It absorbs 30% less moisture compared to PA66, which enhances its dimensional stability and mechanical properties.
- High Mechanical Performance: It maintains high stiffness and strength, even in humid conditions.
- Chemical Resistance: It offers superior resistance to chemicals, making it suitable for harsh environments.
- Thermal Properties: It has a high melting temperature (250°C) and glass transition temperature (70°C), making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Sustainability: Being derived from renewable resources, it has a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional polyamides.
Where Does EcoPaXX® Come From?
EcoPaXX® is produced using castor oil derived from castor plants. These plants are grown in semi-arid regions and do not compete with food crops, making them a sustainable source of raw material.
Where is EcoPaXX® Used?
EcoPaXX® is used in a variety of applications across different industries:
- Automotive: Components that require high mechanical performance and resistance to water/glycol aging and road salt exposure.
- Water Management: Lead-free solutions for faucet system components and other applications in contact with drinking water.
- Consumer Goods & Electronics: Flame-retardant grades for electronic components, offering high dielectric strength and low moisture uptake.
- Food Contact: Approved grades for food contact applications, providing safe and sustainable solutions with lower cyclic oligomer extraction levels.
Is EcoPaXX® Sustainable?
Yes, EcoPaXX® is considered sustainable due to its bio-based origin and lower environmental impact. The use of castor oil, a renewable resource, reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers the carbon footprint of the material.
Sustainable Issues Related to Its Production
While EcoPaXX® is more sustainable than conventional polyamides, there are still some sustainability challenges:
- Agricultural Impact: The cultivation of castor plants requires land and water resources, which can have environmental impacts if not managed sustainably.
- Processing Energy: The production process of EcoPaXX® still requires energy, which may come from non-renewable sources.
- End-of-Life Disposal: Like other polyamides, EcoPaXX® is not biodegradable, and its disposal can contribute to plastic waste if not properly managed.
Overall, EcoPaXX® represents a significant step towards more sustainable materials in engineering applications, balancing performance with environmental responsibility.