Applications Glass
Applications Glass Fiber-Reinforced PLA Global custom engineered thermoplastics compounder RTP Company from Winona, Minnesota, USA, has commercialized the industry‘s first line of glass fiberreinforced polylactic acid (PLA) compounds that overcome many limitations of unmodified PLA by delivering greater strength, stiffness, and thermal performance. These new materials, which target durable and semi-durable applications, are the latest extension of RTP Company‘s family of engineered bioplastic compounds that use resins derived from rapidly renewable resources. PLA bio-polymers are a sustainable alternative to traditional hydrocarbon-based thermoplastics such as polyesters, polyolefins, and high-impact polystyrene. However, unmodified PLA suffers from performance limitations in terms of mechanical and thermal properties. “Our new glass fiber reinforced PLA compounds enhance the strength and temperature performance of PLA making it possible for PLA to be considered for much broader use,“ said Will Taber, Business Manager for Emerging Technologies at RTP Company. Fully colorable and available globally, RTP Company‘s reinforced PLA grades have glass fiber loadings from 10% to 40% with the ability to customize glass level to meet the specific requirements of individual applications in appliance, automotive, consumer goods, electrical & electronics, and construction markets. The 30% glass fiber-reinforced PLA grade boasts a tensile strength of 114 MPa (16,500psi), flexural modulus of 11,239 MPa (1,630,000 psi), and heat deflection temperature (HDT B) of 160°C at 0.45 MPa (320°F at 66 psi). In comparison to unmodified PLA, the compound has nearly twice the tensile strength and its HDT has increased by nearly 93°C (200°F). It surpasses the tensile strength, flexural modulus, and HDT of 30% glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene. “RTP Company can now produce PLA bioplastic compounds with mechanical properties that meet or exceed those of many traditional thermoplastics,“ said Taber. Proprietary nucleation packages speed crystallization which increases temperature performance and allows quicker part ejection, yielding PLA injection molding cycle times similar to PP and ABS. Several nucleating package option are available to balance cost and performance requirements. “We have really just begun to scratch the surface of what can be done with compounding PLA,“ said Taber. Engineered bioplastic compounds from RTP Company provide additional material options for those looking to meet bio-based or renewable content requirements for product certifications such as EPEAT and LEED along with the European Cradle-to-Cradle initiative and USDA BioPreferred labeling program. RTP Company‘s complete ‘Eco Solutions’ product portfolio includes compounds that make use of bio-based or recycled resins, natural fibers, and halogen-free flame retardant or wear resistant additives. These materials address the sustainability, reutilization, and eco-conscious objectives of modern consumers and forward-thinking companies without compromising performance. MT www.rtpcompany.com Comparison of 30 % Glass Fiber Reinforced Compounds Unmodified PLA 30% GF PP 30% GF PLA 30% GF PBT Tensile Strength 48 MPa 76 MPa 109 MPa 124 MPa Flexural Strength 83 MPa 112 MPa 145 MPa 190 MPa Flexural Modulus 3,828 MPa 4,826 MPa 11,032 MPa 8,274 MPa Impact Resistance, Izod Notched 1/8” (3.2 mm) Heat Deflection Temperature HDT B (@ 66 psi (0.455 MPa) 16 J/m 107 J/m 59 J/m 96 J/m 51°C 157°C 164°C 224°C 30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/11] Vol. 6
BIOADIMIDE TM IN BIOPLASTICS. EXPANDING THE PERFORMANCE OF BIO-POLYESTER. NEW PRODUCT LINE AVAILABLE: BIOADIMIDE ADDITIVES EXPAND THE PERFOMANCE OF BIO-POLYESTER BioAdimide additives are specially suited to improve the hydrolysis resistance and the processing stability of bio-based polyester, specifically polylactide (PLA), and to expand its range of applications. Currently, there are two BioAdimide grades available. The BioAdimide 100 grade improves the hydrolytic stability up to seven times that of an unstabilized grade, thereby helping to increase the service life of the polymer. In addition to providing hydrolytic stability, BioAdimide 500 XT acts as a chain extender that can increase the melt viscosity of an extruded PLA 20 to 30 percent compared to an unstabilized grade, allowing for consistent and easier processing. The two grades can also be combined, offering both hydrolysis stabilization and improved processing, for an even broader range of applications. Focusing on performance for the plastics industries. Whatever requirements move your world: We will move them with you. www.rheinchemie.com
