Carbodilite: extend the life of your polymer

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Carbodilite: extend the life of your polymer

Wednesday, 13 November, 2024

Polymers must retain their properties until they have fulfilled their function, whether they are recycled afterward or decomposed without leaving a trace. To achieve this, it is sometimes necessary to improve their resistance to hydrolysis, ensuring they maintain their properties for a longer period.

What are carbodiimides?

Aliphatic carbodiimides are linear polymers that include the functional group RN=C=NR in the following structure:

Carbodiimides provide triple functionality for preventing hydrolysis: they react with carboxylic groups, act as chain extenders for polymers, and remove water. Unlike aromatic carbodiimides, aliphatic carbodiimides offer excellent weather resistance and minimal yellowing.

Carbodiimides are effective in all types of polymers susceptible to hydrolysis, including: Biopolymers: PLA, PBS, PHA and thermoplastic starch

Technical polymers: PET/rPET, PBT, PA and polyester elastomers.

At Comindex we distribute these carbodiimides under the CARBODILITE brand, manufactured by Nisshinbo.


Carbodilite in biopolymers:

The use of Carbodilite in biopolymers extends the service life of plastics and prevents premature material degradation. As shown in the following image, even a small amount of this additive significantly prolongs the lifespan of PLA while maintaining its structural integrity.

Carbodilite can also be used to reduce the thickness of PLA films, as the films degrade more slowly, behaving as if they were of greater thickness.



Ageing test results: 60ºC, 95% RH, 1000 hours.


Carbodilite in technical polymers:

In technical polymers such as PA or PET, Carbodilite prevents hydrolysis and extends the material's lifespan. Additionally, it is effective in recycling PET, preventing its hydrolysis, extending polymer chains, and enhancing the properties of the resulting material.

The table below summarises the key characteristics of the two grades of Carbodilite available: Carbodilite HMV 5CA-LC and Carbodilite HMV 15CA.


Due to its higher thermal stability, Carbodilite HMV 15CA is recommended for technical polymers such as PET and PA. On the other hand, Carbodilite HMV 5CA is ideal for packaging applications, as this additive is approved for food contact.

For further information about these additives, please do not hesitate to contact our team of technical sales advisors.

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