Bayer Material Science’s Research is Delivering Further Successes

In laboratory tests, Bayer Material Science has succeeded in significantly further reducing the need for petroleum at precursor level through the incorporation of carbon dioxide. So, the climate gas can be used to make additional types of plastic.

Leverkusen/Germany – Plastics and their components are normally based entirely on oil. The new process also extends the range of plastics that CO₂ can be used to produce. This is the result of the Dream Polymers research project in which Bayer MaterialScience is continuing its activities to find new uses for CO₂ (see the article “From CO2 to Plastic Foams: The Stuff That Dreams are Made of?”).

A technology using the greenhouse gas to produce a key component for high-quality foam (polyurethane) is already moving toward commercial use. The proportion of petroleum in this chemical is 80 percent. "We have now succeeded in reducing the petroleum content for making other plastics to just 60 percent," says Project Manager Dr. Christoph Gürtler.

Twofold Use

CO₂ is used twice in the new process. First, the greenhouse gas is incorporated directly into a new kind of precursor (polyoxymethylene polycarbonate polyol), replacing 20 percent of the petroleum. Second, it is also used indirectly, producing a chemical that is also incorporated into the precursor for a further 20 percent saving in petroleum. “As a result, the proportion of alternative raw materials is already 40 percent,” remarks Gürtler.

In addition to this, the number of plastics that can be produced using carbon dioxide is increasing. “It is now also possible to manufacture thermoplastic polyurethanes, films and casting elastomers in this way,” says Gürtler. Such plastics are used in all kinds of applications, including automotive interiors, cable sheathing and sporting goods such as ski boots.

Positive Tests

The researchers have already proved in laboratory tests that the manufacturing process works in principle. “Initial application tests have been positive,” confirms Gürtler, but he adds that there is some way to go before the process is commercially viable.

Dream Polymers is being supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. External institutions in Germany such as the CAT Catalytic Center, the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis and the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology are also involved.