Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV
Biobased additives from secondary plant substances (SPS)
Plant-based additives for technical and personal & home care products
The application of biobased additives can take place in numerous technical products as well as in personal & home care products, replacing fossil-based or synthetic ingredients. As such, biobased additives increase both the sustainability andeco-friendliness of these products. Likewise, expensive disposal costs incurred by conventional products can be minimized. Suitable raw materials include secondary plant substances (SPSs) or plant proteins, which are naturally characterized by highly functional properties.
We offer the development of all process steps – from the raw material to the end product
We support companies in integrating biobased additives into their products. In doing so, we adapt the additives to the target application depending on their functionality. As a prerequisite for formulation, we perform specific analysis of the raw materials, taking into account the interactions of individual components. We offer the development of all process steps, from recovery of SPSs to manufacture of application-ready formulations, containing biobased additives. Moreover, we provide our customers with the opportunity to use our facilities for their own developments. Our Spectrum ranges from laboratory scale to small pilot plant quantities.
Utilization of waste materials from the food and agriculture industries
We design effective extraction processes to isolate valuable plant substances from different raw and waste materials. We focus on utilizing byproduct streams from food and agricultural industries that have not been exploited until now. We subsequently develop water-, solvent-, or oil-based model formulations in order to optimize the solubility of our products in the desired media.
Raw materials for biobased additives
Many plant-based waste materials from the food and agricultural industries contain high quantities of functional ingredients such as proteins and SPSs (secondary plant substances). These include residues from processing fruit (e.g. apple pomace) and vegetables (e.g. cabbage) as well as from plant oil production (e.g. olive and rapeseed press cake) and other plant waste materials.
Using our extensive knowledge about plant raw materials we continually develop and optimize effective methods for the extraction, purification, and stabilization of high-quality secondary plant substances.
Our objective is to utilize hitherto unused waste material streams to promote the bioeconomy and the holistic usage of materials. Material availability and cost are always considered.
Development of special extraction methods
In order to recover the highest yields of plant extracts having the highest possible functionality we specifically tailor the extraction method to the relevant raw material and their intended application.
Extraction can be carried out with organic solvents or water as well as with the use of supercritical CO2, which is particularly gentle. The extractions are performed using percolation and immersion and are carried out in explosion-proof plants. Further processing steps such as filtration, distillation and concentration are also conducted under explosion-proof conditions if required.
Samples can be produced in the laboratory and, after scale-up, in our pilot plants in quantities up to 250 liters, with consideration of industrial feasibility.
We also offer the possibility to use our plants for in-house developments. Depending on the raw material and target application, we offer different extraction plants:
Analysis and functional characterization
The successful use of biobased additives requires those substances to be characterized as comprehensively as possible. This includes quantitative and qualitative determination of the composition and evaluation of their physical and functional properties.
Particularly important is testing the properties in the relevant application along with the stability and storage behavior. The effect of the additives in the target application is studied in detail using advanced chemical and physical analytics. Interactions with other formulation components are also investigated.
In order to optimize the functionality we are able to carry out enzymatic, chemical, and physical modifications.
We offer the following analyses among others:
- Extract composition
- Dry matter
- Protein content
- Protein composition (SDS-PAGE)
- Sugar content
- Identification of lead substances and quantification (HPLC)
- Dry matter
- Extract functionality
- Antioxidant capacity (photometric assays)
- Anticorrosive effect
- Antimicrobial / antibacterial effect
- UV absorption
- Effect of extracts in model systems
- Solubility and stability of solutions
- Emulsion capacity
- Foaming behavior
- Color measurement
- Rancimat test
- Titrimetry (acid value, peroxide value, …)
- Infrared spectroscopy
- Solubility and stability of solutions
- Effect of extracts on surfaces
- Rheology and tribology
- Microskopy (SEM, optical microscope)
- UV-Vis spectroscopy
- Grey cast-iron chip filter paper test
- Weight loss
Application of biobased additives
Biobased functional additives have a variety of applications in biobased technical products. After defining the planned target application and the corresponding identification of the requirement profile for the additives, we check which raw materials are suitable for evaluation depending on the respective raw material supply. The cost-effectiveness of the processes for extracting the additives and the possibility of industrial implementation are included in the considerations.
Biolubricants
Lubricants contain various additives in order to meet the requirements for a specific application.
We investigate the substitution of conventional antioxidants, anti-wear additives, friction reducers, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, amongst others, for you.
Personal & home care
In addition to their antioxidant properties, SPS are characterized by UV-absorbing and antimicrobial effects.
We investigate the substitution of conventional antioxidants, UV absorbers, preservatives, and others in the formulation for you and in addition can evaluate the sensory impressions of these components.
Biobased coatings
Depending on the application, paints, varnishes, paper coatings or functional coatings for packaging contain fossil ingredients for stabilization against antimicrobial and antimicrobiological influences and for UV protection, among others.
We investigate the substitution of these components using biobased alternatives for you.