The latest tests conducted within the framework of the “Placard project” (www.placard-ecoinnovation.eu), which is developing a new bio-based plasticiser for soft PVC, have shown promising results, the project’s partners say. The EU-funded initiative is using cardanol – a yellow oil obtained by the vacuum distillation of cashew nut shells – as a base for the plasticiser, and pilot scale production of the material is being carried out at the premises of project member Serichim (Torviscosa, Udine / Italy; www.serichim.it), a contract research organisation.

The material has been tested at the labs of fellow project partner Università del Salento (Salento / Italy; www.unisalento.it), which compared its performance to that of established phthalate and non-phthalate plasticisers, of both high and low molecular weight. The tests showed that Placard’s material has a better plasticising efficiency than DEHP and DOTP and also showed better processability than “selected commercial plasticisers”. Energy costs were also reduced, project members said, adding that all other tested parameters were comparable to those of other selected plasticisers and “showed good stability of properties over time.”

Other results of Placard, including the ability to facilitate recycling, will be further investigated. The remaining two members of the 32-month project, which was set up last year (see Plasteurope.com of 11.08.2014), are polymer conversion specialist Kommi (Lequile / Italy; www.kommi.it) and European Plastics Converters (EuPC, Brussels / Belgium; www.plasticsconverters.eu).