BASF is launching Ultramid H33 L, the world’s first thermoplastic polyamide with high water permeability. The combination of strength and water permeability sets the material apart among thermoplastics and points to its use in the production of artificial sausage casings in which products can be smoked and dried. To date, such casings have been made, among others, from collagen or cellulose. The new polyamide provides an alternative, as casings made from this material can be significantly thinner. Owing to the hydrophilic properties of Ultramid H, smoke volatiles readily diffuse through the polyamide casing into meat products, and the high water permeability enables subsequent drying of the sausages in the same casing. According to the manufacturer, the material can be processed like any other polyamide, which facilitates its implementation in existing production processes.
“Ultramid H opens up new application areas for thermoplastic polyamides that were previously beyond technical reach. It is a unique material among thermoplastics. It can be processed like any other polyamide, allowing our customers to integrate Ultramid H into their production processes without making any changes,” explained Dr. Rolf Minkwitz, responsible for polyamide product development at BASF.
Properties and applications
Ultramid H combines high strength with permeability to water and smoke volatiles, which is critical in smoking and drying processes for sausages. Compared with collagen- or cellulose-based casings, a solution based on neat polyamide can enable a thinner casing wall while maintaining required performance parameters. The material’s hydrophilic character promotes diffusion of smoke constituents into the product, and high water permeability allows the drying step to be carried out without changing the casing.
Presentation at the K trade fair
Ultramid H will be presented for the first time at K, the world’s largest plastics trade fair in Düsseldorf, from October 8 to 15. At BASF’s booth C21/D21 in Hall 5, experts will answer questions on the product’s properties. A discussion with representatives of Podanfol S.A. dedicated to initial experiences with the material is scheduled for October 9 at 3:00 p.m. Further information on Ultramid H is available on the website.
