Organic Binders - The Benefits of QPAC25® and QPAC40®

Sponsored by Empower MaterialsAug 26 2008Reviewed by Aimee Molineux

QPAC® polyalkylene carbonates copolymers are a unique family of innovative thermoplastics representing a true break-through in polymer technology.

While traditional plastics have been primarily petroleum-based, these materials are derived from carbon dioxide and are produced through the copolymerization of CO₂ with one or more epoxides. The resultant polymers are amorphous, clear, readily processible, and have long-term mechanical stability. They are also environmentally friendly by consuming 50% fewer petrochemicals, as compared to other polymers which are 100% petrochemical-based. In addition, they may exhibit biodegradable properties consistent with an environmentally friendly binder.

thermoplastics

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QPAC® 25, polyethylene carbonate, and QPAC® 40, polypropylene carbonate, are the two most widely used products within our family of organic binders. However, there is a wide range of QPAC® polymers possible by varying the epoxide monomer or using blends of epoxides to produce a specific reaction. Our technical group has the expertise to effectively work with you to develop the appropriate product for your application.

Thermogravimetric analyses in both air and nitrogen show complete decomposition of polypropylene carbonate at low termperatures, heating rate is 10°C/minute.

Thermogravimetric analyses in both air and nitrogen show complete decomposition of polypropylene carbonate at low temperatures, heating rate is 10°C/minute.

Advantages of QPAC Organic Binders

The following is a short list identifying some of the advantages of QPAC®. However, the advantages that our customers see goes well beyond those listed below.

Benign emissions	Water and CO₂
Low temperature / clean burnout	Onset at 220°C, complete at 340°C
Virtually no residue	Less than .10 ppm residue ash and metal
All sintering atmospheres	Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon, vacuum (oxygen generated in debind)
Controlled debind	Polymer chain unzipping means controlled migration of debind emissions through the part. Also results in excellent pore size management.
Excellent green strength	Tacky, high molecular weight, amorphous thermoplastic polymer allows high-density green shapes, tapes, films, and other structures

Typical Applications of QPAC Organic Binders

QPAC® polymers can be processed using typical processing techniques, including solution processing, spin casting, injection molding, or extrusion. This family of copolymers has attractive performance characteristics in a variety of applications. The following table shows some of these applications and QPAC®'s benefits:

Application	Benefits	End-Use/Industry
Electronic ceramic binders	Improve green strength and lubricity Complete burnout at low temperature in any firing atmosphere Low ash content	Electronic/technical ceramics, powder metals, MLCC, Tantalum, Piezo and LTCC capacitors and heaters
Technical glass binders	Compatible with a variety of sealing glasses Complete decomposition Low ash content	Display screens, discharge lamps, glass preforms
Brazing solutions	Compatibility with a variety of filler metals Viscosities are custom-tailored for a solution or paste requirements	Automotive, HVAC, aircraft
Diamond cutting tools	Coats diamond powders evenly Decomposition is uniform and controlled reducing the likelihood of cracks and voids in the final part	Construction, cutting tools
Energenics	Decomposition is uniform and controlled Flame temperatures are noticeably reduced during combustion	Propellants, pyrotechnics, airbag inflators
Pore formers	Decomposes completely by 340°C in any environment Amorphous thermoplastic which will solubilize completely and homogeneously	Mesoporous carbon composites, titanium structures, nanomaterials
Polymer foaming aids	Reduced density of high-temperature thermoplastics Environmentally acceptable Low-temperature decomposition	Engineering thermoplastics for numerous industries
Lost foam casting	Complete burnout Minimal carbon residue	Metal castings, foundries, aluminum, iron

Industries Utilizing QPAC Organic Binders

Typical industries that use QPAC organic binders include:

Electronic Passive Components
Brazing Pastes
Technical Glass
Fuel Cells
Tooling Manufacturers
MEMS

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This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Empower Materials.

For more information on this source, please visit Empower Materials.

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