At Fakuma 2024, the trade show for industrial plastics processing taking place in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from October 15-19, Asahi Kasei will provide details of two processes it has developed for the recycling of polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6).

Together with its Japanese partner Microwave Chemical, the company has developed a first process that exploits microwaves to depolymerize automotive airbags and other PA6.6 parts. The low-energy process directly obtains high yields of  the monomers hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid (ADA) which can then be used to manufacture new PA6.6 with comparable performance

For the first time in Europe, Asahi Kasei will also introduce a second PA6.6 recycling process which is based on a solvents.

Also new from the company is a bio-based and biodegradable cellulose nanofibre (CNF) for high-performance 3D printing.

It is made from cotton linter and features a high heat resistance and network-forming ability. CNF-reinforced polyamide exibits a thixotropic behaviour – time-dependent shear thinning – making it highly suitable for easy 3D printing with dimensional accuracy, a smooth appearance and good mechanical performance. In addition, it is easier to recycle than commonly-used glass fibres.

fakuma.asahi-kasei.eu