Innovative and at the same time sustainable is a novel bio-adhesive that the Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research (TITK) recently presented. The production of the hot-melt adhesive generates fewer greenhouse gases and does not consume any fossil raw materials. The researchers from the institute in Rudolstadt in eastern Thuringia produce a bio-based and biodegradable adhesive based on polylactic acid. According to the institute, polylactic acid is compostable under industrial conditions, biocompatible, and can replace classic petroleum-based bulk plastics. In the manufacturing process, bio-resins, plasticizers, and waxes are added; the bio-based content of the adhesive named Caremelt is thus up to 95 percent.
The approximately 200 employees of Thuringia's largest industry-oriented research institute conduct both pre-competitive and applied research in the industrial sector. Chemists, process engineers, and textile engineers work hand in hand to quickly and market-oriented translate research results into new processes and technologies together with partners and clients. The focus is on the areas of native polymers and chemical research, textile and materials research, plastics research, and functional polymer systems. (hw)
