Novel Water-soluble polymer combines great performance and sustainability
June 1, 2010
A new, more sustainable water-soluble polymer has been created by AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry for the detergents market. Now available commercially in the U.S., Alcoguard® H 5240 uses innovative hybrid bio-polymer technology developed by AkzoNobel that combines the benefits of both synthetic and natural polymer components to provide effective performance and an improved environmental profile. It is designed to prevent scale formation in automatic dishwashing and laundry detergents and other applications where synthetic water-soluble polymers are typically used.
Alcoguard® H 5240 hybrid bio-polymer was formally introduced at the 2010 American Oil Chemists Society’s Annual Meeting & Expo, held in Phoenix, Arizona (May 16-19).
Those who wish to know when it will be available in other geographic regions besides the U.S. are advised to contact their local AkzoNobel representative.
Performance tests conducted by AkzoNobel on Alcoguard® H 5240 hybrid bio-polymer and on synthetic polymers (polyacrylates) currently used in laundry applications demonstrated that Alcoguard® H 5240 hybrid bio-polymer provides equal or better anti-redeposition, dispersancy, anti-encrustation, and detergency. In addition, its filming/spotting reduction capability was found to be equal to or better than that of polyacrylates typically used in automatic dishwashing applications. Alcoguard® H 5240 hybrid bio-polymer is particularly effective at minimizing filming and spotting in zero-phosphate dishwashing detergent formulations.
The new polymer has been produced by AkzoNobel using a proprietary technology that combines natural (plant-based) materials – selected polysaccharides – with petrochemical materials – synthetic monomers. In fact, the technology is based on over 60% renewable resources. As a result, Alcoguard® H 5240 hybrid bio-polymer has a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional petrochemical-based polymers, according to comparative lifecycle assessments. Moreover, the rapid biodegradability of the polysaccharides contained in Alcoguard® H 5240 hybrid bio-polymer makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polymers.
Acknowledging the positive environmental impact of AkzoNobel’s hybrid bio-polymer technology, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has nominated the new technology for “P2” (pollution prevention) recognition. The P2 Recognition Project honors companies for developing and commercializing innovative chemistries and technologies that further pollution prevention and other environmental goals
For more information about AkzoNobel’s new Alcoguard® H 5240 and hybrid bio-polymer technology, please contact Linda.Terwilliger@akzonobel.com. For samples or assistance, please contact your local AkzoNobel sales representative or the AkzoNobel Customer Service Department at CSRUSA@akzonobel.com