| Ecoflex® P BX 7020 is a biodegradable, statistical, aliphatic-aromatic copolyester based on the monomers 1,4-butanediol, adipic acid and terephthalic acid or dimethyltherephthalate in the polymer chain - depending on the production process. Ecoflex® P BX 7020 will biodegrade to the basic monomers 1,4-butandiol, adipic acid and therephthalic acid and eventually to carbon dioxide, water and biomass when metabolized in the soil or compost under standard conditions. Ecoflex® P BX 7020 has properties similar to PE-LD because of its high molecular weight and its long chain branched molecular structure. Ecoflex® P BX 7020 fulfils the requirements of the European standard DIN EN 13432, the US standard ASTM D 6400 and) the Japanese GreenPla standard for compostable and biodegradable polymers, because it can be degraded by micro-organisms. The biodegradation process in soil depends on the specific environment (climate, soil quality, population of micro-organisms). Ecoflex® P BX 7020 is one of the few biodegradable plastics, which complies in its composition with the European and American food stuff legislation for food contact (EU: Directive 2002/72/EC, the US: Food Contact Notification FCN 780). Specific limitations and more details are given on request. The converter or packer has to check the suitability of the article for the application. Ecoflex® exhibits an excellent compatibility to other biodegradable polymers e.g. in dry blends with polylactic acid, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters or starch compounds (e.g. Ecoflex® S BX 7025, starch and additives). The processing of Ecoflex® P BX 7020 on extrusion lines depends on the formulation, the extrusion technology and processing conditions. Therefore trials are always recommended to assess the quality of the final product. According to our experience predrying of Ecoflex® P BX 7020 prior to conversion is not required if more than 50 % of Ecoflex® P BX 7020 is used in the formulation keeping Ecoflex® P BX 7020 in the coherent phase. In this case Ecoflex® P BX 7020 contributes significantly to the performance of a formulation in processing and applications. Applications: Ecoflex® P BX 7020 has been developed for the coextrusion of films and coatings using preferably the cast film or extrusion lamination process. Typical applications are packaging films, agricultural films and compost bags. In view of numerous factors influencing functionality and shelf life of Ecoflex® films and finished articles made thereof these parameters have to be tested by the converters before utilization. Information provided by BASF |
