Evonik launches an ecological version of PA12, derived from used cooking oil

Evonik introduces a new polyamide powder intended for 3D printing in SLS technology – INFINAM eCO PA12, which replaces 100% of fossil raw materials with raw materials derived from used cooking oil. According to the manufacturer, it is able to reduce CO2 emissions by 74% compared to polyamides produced on the basis of INFINAM Terra castor oil. Following the launch of the new PA12 grade with a reduced carbon footprint in 2022, Evonik says it is currently fully adapting its powder portfolio with a circular approach.

Waste cooking oil, of which over 15 million tons are produced annually, has been identified as one of the ingredients that can be used as a raw material for the chemical production of 3D printing materials. By using it to produce INFINAM eCO PA12, Evonik claims to have developed a material that is significantly more sustainable than previous PA12 materials.

In addition to a lower carbon footprint resulting from the use of renewable energy and bio-based raw material, the new grade of polyamide 12 has a “proven reuse rate of 100% of the structure support powder” with a refresh rate of 70/30% of the material used compared to virgin material over several printing cycles. The material also demonstrates “excellent processability and stable mechanical properties.”

Evonik’s approach to delivering more sustainable products is based on four pillars – reuse, reduce, renewable and recyclable – as well as assessing the entire life cycle of PA12 formulas and consistently improving them. As part of this effort, Evonik also takes into account important factors such as water use and land use. In the future, the company will also explore new options to end-of-life PA12 powders to “completely close the loop.”

Source: www.infinam.com