Compounding and film extrusion for biocomposites

This pilot-scale extruder service supports the development and optimisation of advanced plastics and composites, with a focus on bio-based polymers. It offers solutions from compounding to film and reactive extrusion.

Extrusion is a key method for processing plastics, allowing the production of films, coatings, and components with specific shapes and properties. The pilot-scale facilities can handle both conventional polymers and more complex, sustainable materials, supporting the optimisation of material properties for innovative applications. Reactive extrusion further extends these capabilities by enabling chemical reactions during the extrusion process, allowing the development of advanced materials with enhanced performance in a single step.

Extensive expertise in material formulation and process design allows work with a wide range of bio-based materials to develop high-performance solutions. Capabilities include optimisation of material blends, design of processing conditions, and production of customised films and coatings for various industries, including packaging and automotive.

The testbed consists of:

• Minilab-extruder (Haake)
• Medium-sized laboratory extruder (LabTech Technologies) with modular screws, gravimetric feeding, liquid injection, degassing, air or water cooling of extrudates, and pelletizing
• Injection molding machine (BOY) for producing test samples for impact and tensile testing

Through our expertise in compounding, extrusion, and biobased material processing, we help companies innovate sustainable solutions that contribute to a circular economy.