The Solubility is the Solution. BELLAND Alkaline Soluble Polymers The Company, Applications and Environment

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1 The Solubility is the Solution BELLAND Alkaline Soluble Polymers The Company, Applications and Environment The Company The BellandTechnology AG specializes in the development and production of excellent melt stable, alkaline or water-soluble thermoplastics. Our BELLAND Polymers are tailor made to the requirements of our customers for the mainly temporary use in the various sectors of industry. The Products BELLAND Polymers are generic thermoplastics. The materials can be processed by standard polymer converting equipments. Under normal conditions they are water resistant but on demand the material can be dissolved in aqueous alkaline solutions. Handling is safe and convenient because of VOC free processing. The rate at which it dissolves depends on polymer grades and additives, further alkaline compound and concentration. The mechanical properties range from hard-firm to soft-sticky. BELLAND Polymers are available in different grades for a broad spectrum of applications: o Coating o Film o Fibre o Foam o Hot Melt Film o Hot Melt Furthermore we have developed a unique, pure water soluble product of high melt stability and heat resistance. 1

2 BELLAND Polymers in Comparison to Common, Water Soluble Plastics There is a whole range of commonly known water soluble plastics, but in comparison to BELLAND Polymers these products are already soluble in neutral water. Their properties may change on the influence of humidity. Contrary to other "water soluble" plastics on the market, BELLAND Polymers provide excellent melt stability and therefore, are suitable for applications that seemed so far impossible. In this context PVOH products should be mentioned that have glass transition temperatures (Tg) of up to 80 C, whilst BELLAND Polymers show a Tg of up to 110 C. Known alkaline soluble polymers such as Poly(meth)acrylic acid, Carboxymethylcellulose or certain Maleic acid anhydride copolymers are not melt process able or do not provide acceptable mechanical or thermal properties. The Solubility in Alkaline For the dissolution of BELLAND Polymers diluted brine can be used, i.e. aqueous solution of caustic Soda, Ammonium or Sodium carbonate. In general, at ambient temperature, a brine ph value of at least 10 is recommended. The best solubility is performed with Ammonium. Furthermore, the speed of dissolution depends on size, shape and thickness of the parts. Disposal BELLAND Polymers do not influence the bacteria population in waste water treatment plants. The local regulations for the discharge of alkaline solutions into the waste water streams need to be observed. 2

3 Applications of BELLAND Polymers BELLAND Polymers are water-resistant. Their most outstanding characteristic is, however, that they can be dissolved in aqueous alkali solutions whenever necessary. This combination of properties gives way to an extremely wide range of applications. Typically BELLAND Polymers fulfil a temporary function and can be removed without leaving any residue. There are no limits to the potential for creative users. Consider just a few examples: Extrusion BELLAND Polymers can be processed on any conventional plastic processing equipment to make: o Films e.g. soluble labels o Fibres e.g. soluble fibres and non-wovens o Foams e.g. soluble foam for lost core applications, bobbin cores, placeholders and filters Coatings BELLAND Polymers can be applied like lacquer and they are film-forming. Depending on the composition, the coating is removable with water or alkaline solutions. There are several grades of polymers available to generate soft and sticky or hard and scratchresistant coatings. The function of the coating of BELLAND Polymers could, for example, be a carrier for special additives, protection from mechanical damage or temporary antitarnish protection for metals. Examples of temporary coatings: o Surface protection for high quality optical lenses or glasses o Protection from mechanical damage o Corrosion protection for metals o Printing of surfaces for etching processes The coating can be removed VOC free. 3

4 Hot Melt Films The easy to use adhesive film develops its adhesive strength by means of a heat treatment. Heat responsive adhesive films can be used for the temporary fixing or protection of materials during processing. Examples for the temporary use of adhesive films: o Dicing i.e. precision cutting of wafer, glasses, ceramics or semiconductors o Fixation of substrates for light- and electron microscopy o Grinding and polishing of optical components After treatment the hot melt film can be removed VOC free. Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA) BELLAND Hotmelts can be processed in the same way as common hot melts. Examples for temporary fixations with hot melts: o Adhesive tapes for fixation of re-usable drapes o Labels for reusable containers During washing BELLAND Hotmelts are removed without leaving any residue. 4

5 Environment and Safety Easy, Safe and Economical BELLAND Polymers and BELLAND Hotmelts are often only used temporarily in processing steps. After fulfilling their function, aqueous alkaline solutions can be used to remove them easily without leaving any residues. Aqueous alkaline solutions are neither flammable nor volatile. As a result they offer the following advantages in comparison to removal processes that use organic solvents: o Eco-friendly processing o No problems with VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) o Reduced risks o No complex authority approval procedures o No costly fire and explosion-protection measures o No exhaust air purification o Simplified occupational health and safety precautions o Lower investment costs o Simplified automation Disposal BELLAND Polymers do not influence the bacteria population in waste water treatment plants. The local regulations for the discharge of alkaline solutions into the waste water streams need to be observed. 5

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