Plasma treatment of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid blends to increase melting point
Green Frix offers a plasma-based process for mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid blends that enables partial hydrogenation and cross-linking. The method reduces iodine value by 70% to raise melting point to at least 60°C while avoiding catalysts and high temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to evaluate melting point, supporting improved thermal stability for applications such as food, cosmetics, and biopolymers.
Overview
A plasma treatment technology is proposed for mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid blends. The process aims to induce partial hydrogenation and cross-linking without catalysts or high-temperature processing, with the goal of decreasing iodine value by 70% and increasing melting point to a minimum of 60°C. The approach is intended to improve thermal properties and stability while preserving the natural characteristics of the starting materials.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Uses plasma treatment to achieve targeted chemical modifications without catalysts
- Operates at temperatures below 150°C to maintain material integrity
- Targets iodine value reduction to enhance melting point
- Employs differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for melting point evaluation
- Supports customizable fatty acid blends to meet specific iodine value and cross-linking targets
Applications:
- Suitable for industries where improved thermal stability of fatty acids is critical, including food, cosmetics, and biopolymers
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 8, indicating it has been developed and tested and is ready for validation in an industrial environment. Future steps include laboratory validation, discussions with industry stakeholders, and upscaling to industrial reactor capabilities.
About Green Frix
Green Frix is a Belgian company specializing in the cross-linking of vegetable oils and waxes using proprietary plasma technology. By utilizing this state-of-the-art process, the company transforms natural oils into advanced oligomers and polymers that exhibit enhanced thermal stability, chemical resistance, and specific rheological properties. This innovative, patented approach allows for the creation of customized, bio-based materials that offer eco-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic products. The company works closely with partners to develop tailored solutions, including functionalized oils with specific viscosity and friction-reducing characteristics.
These bio-based materials are designed to address the needs of demanding industries, such as automotive, lubricants, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. By providing high-performing, renewable alternatives, Green Frix enables customers to improve product durability and environmental compliance. The company’s plasma-based solutions have been successfully upscaled for industrial production, allowing for the manufacture of performance chemicals that solve technical challenges like friction reduction and oxidative stability across a variety of industrial and food-grade applications.
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