Bioplastics based on vegetable oils
Common bioplastics are based on cellulose, starch, polylactic acid (PLA), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyamide 11 (PA11). PA11 is derived from vegetable oil and is also known as Rislan.
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Harvested as a waste product of the agricultural industry. This gives farmers the opportunity to make a profit off their waste since they typically have to pay to have it destroyed.
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Thermal resistance makes it valuable for the use in car fuel lines, pneumatic air brake tubing, electrical anti-termite cable sheathing and oil and gas flexible pipes and control fluid umbilical. These are often reinforced with fibers from kenaf plant to increase heat resistance and durability. Innovations in PA11 production are helping increase car passenger safety and reduce the risk of accidents by inhibiting spark ignition in the fuel lines. Fujitsu is now developing a castor oil derived PA 11 plastic with Arkema, which is more flexible and will help expand its use of bio-plastics in notebook computers.
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Reduced CO2 emissions. Biodegradable. Reduce amount of toxic run-off generated by oil-based alternatives.
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Similar properties to plastic derived from petroleum including thermal resistance .
Resources
https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/science-features/bio-plastics-turning-wheat-and-potatoes-plastics