The Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research (TITK) recently unveiled a bio-adhesive that is both innovative and sustainable. Producing the hotmelt adhesive releases fewer greenhouse gases and consumes no fossil raw materials. The researchers are producing a bio-based, biodegradable adhesive based on polylactic acid. According to the institute in Rudolstadt in eastern Thuringia, polylactic acid is biocompatible, compostable under industrial conditions and can replace conventional petroleum-based bulk plastics. Bio-resins, plasticizers and waxes are added in the manufacturing process; that puts the bio-based content of the adhesive, known as Caremelt, at as much as 95 percent.
The approximately 200 employees of the largest business-related research institute in Thuringia conduct both preliminary and applied research in the industry-related field. Chemists, process and textile engineers work hand in hand to implement research results quickly and market-oriented into new processes and technologies together with partners and clients. The focus is on native polymers and chemical research, textile and materials research, plastics research and functional polymer systems. (hw)
