Fraunhofer ICT researchers use real-time NIR analysis in order to optimize the manufacture of bio-based polymers for food packaging

Chemical changes during a specific reaction are controllable with the use of a “glass extruder”. The greater control over the process will lead to an improvement in the quality of the resulting product. Through the application of Near Infrared Spectroscopy in the twin-screw extrusion process, researchers at Franunhofer Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) are attempting a metal-free, high precision polymerization of Polylactic Acid (PLA) with the use of alternative sources of energy. The scientist showed the various elements involved in this analysis at the 2014 Analytica in Munich.

Björn Bergmann, a Fraunhofer ICT researcher, states that there are many attempts being made at the optimized manufacture of polymers which are bio-based and can be used in food processing. There is already a high demand for Polylactic Acid or PLA and it needs to be met in an economical manner. In order to meet this demand, the InnoREX project had been started in December 2012 and will come to an end in May 2016. Twelve European countries, research intitules and universities have come together under this project whose funding is provided by the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Commission. The InnoREX project is co-ordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology. The source of this information can be found at: http://plasticker.de/Kunststoff_News_21859_Fraunhofer_ICT_Echtzeit_NIR_Analytik_zur_optimierten_Herstellung_von_biobasierten_Polymeren_fuer_Lebensmittelverpackungen?nmax=25&kat=&nmin=0