technical paper | Compounding bioplastics
Discussions and conclusions Although commercially viable biopolymers, such as PLA, have been available for several years, they have primarily been limited to commodity applications due to the polymer’s inherently low physical properties, includ- ing impact resistance, thermal resistance, and strength. Technology does now exist that allows PLA to overcome these deficiencies and permit this biopolymer to be considered for more semi-durable programs. These technology advancements are made possible by melt compounding the polymer with other polymers and additives. l PLA can be successfully melt compounded with impact modifiers to dramatically improve toughness to match that of the HIPS, ABS, and PC/ABS alloys. l It can be alloyed with other polymers to improve properties including both impact and thermal resistance. l PLA can be nucleated during melt compounding to improve its thermal performance and enhance its ability to be injection moulded into a semi-crystalline mor- phology within a reasonable cycle time.
References 1. John Wesley Hyatt, US Patent #105,338 issued July 12, 1870.
2. T. Tabi and others, Crystalline Structure of Annealed Polylactic Acid and its Relation to Processing, eXPRESS Polymer Letters Vol.4, No. 10 (2010) pages 659-668.
3. Jed Randall, NatureWorks LLC, New Ingeo Products Offer Structure and Property Capabilities that Enhance Performance in Fiber/Nonwovens, Injection Molding and Durables Market, 2012 Innovation Takes Root Conference.
4. John Scheirs and Timothy E. Long, Modern Polyesters: Chemistry and Technology of Polyesters and Copolyesters, Wiley Publishers, 2003.
5. Suzanne R. Redding and James M. Finan, GE Plastics, New Thermoplastic Polyesters Designed for Aggressive USCAR Specifications, SAE Technical Paper 970074, 1997.
6. Dr. Andrea Fruth, Rhein Chemie, Additives for Bioplastics in Durable Applications, 6th European Bioplastics Conference, 2011.
l It can be compounded with mineral fillers and impact modifiers to produce a product with the overall performance of ABS. l It can also be compounded with glass fibres to produce composites that can compete with the popular fibre reinforced polypropylene, nylons or polyesters. l Next generation, high performance PLA grades bring the cycle times and performance of crystalline PLA closer to those of engineering plastics. These processes, coupled with ensuring that the PLA is not subject to prolonged exposure to high moisture above 54°C and the use of a proper stabilization package, will allow future semi-durable applications to be manufactured with major concentrations of renew- able bio-based resource content.
About the author and RTP Steve Maki is vice president technology at RTP Com- pany, responsible for leading product development in a broad range of compounded thermoplastics. He has been with the company for over 25 years and graduated with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota. RTP is a global compounder of custom engineered thermoplastics. Private ownership allows the company to be independent and unbiased in its selection of resins and additives. Its materials experts formulate thou- sands of compounds each year that meet specific end-use application requirements. Headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, RTP Company
operates 12 full-service manufacturing facilities located throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. ❙
www.rtpcompany.com
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