Name
Laccat - ring-opening polymerization of lactides with new zinc catalyst complexes from Technical University of Dortmund
Organization name
PROvendis GmbH
Profile
Invention
The invention relates to the ring-opening polymerization of lactides with new zinc catalyst complexes, which in contrast to the catalysts used so far are stable with respect to air and air humidity, and therefore polylactides (PLA) can be produced with these in a more commercially efficient manner. The catalysts are particularly suitable for polymerisation in the melt at 135 – 200 °C.
Commercial Opportunity
Polylactides (PLA) can be readily processed in conventional plants. PLA is transparent and can be processed into films, shaped parts, cans, tubs, bottles and other items of daily use. PLA is above all suitable for short-life packaging films or frozen products (e.g. drinks or yoghurt containers, trays for fruit, vegetables and meat), since it is biodegraded in a short period.
Because of its transparency, PLA also provides advantages for applications in the construction industry, engineering, optics and in car manufacture. Since PLA can be absorbed by the body, it is used for implants. Absorbable suture material and active substance depots made of PLA are also in use.
Current Status
A patent application was filed for the invention by the Technical University of Dortmund in the summer of 2009.
PROvendis is offering licenses for the invention to interested companies on behalf of the Technical University of Dortmund. There is also the possibility of collaboration with the inventors to adapt the invention to special requirements.
Keyword: Laccat
Ref. No.: 2327
An invention of the Technical University of Dortmund.
Benefits
- Insensitive to air and water
- Reaction at 135°C < T < 200°C in the lactide melt
- PLA is biodegradable
- PLA is transparent
About PROvendis GmbH
PROvendis offers companies certified and patented innovations from North Rhine-Westphalian universities. The core function of the enterprise is to market patentable and commercially exploitable inventions. PROvendis GmbH was founded in 2001 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Zenit GmbH, a management consultancy firm in cooperation with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Since January of 2002, PROvendis has been the service provider for the universities of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Within the scope of the BMBF commercialization campaign, the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) supports the activities of PROvendis.
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