Mazda consortium develops high-strength heat-resistant bioplastic

Mazda Motor (Hiroshima, Japan) and its R&D consortium partners have developed a bioplastic comprised primarily of corn-based polylactic acid (PLA) that reportedly has three times the impact strength and 25% higher heat resistance than existing PLA materials. The bioplastic also has higher rigidity than polypropylene.

The resin is 88% corn-based and 12% petroleum based. It is manufactured via a fermentation process that leverages regional expertise in sake brewing. Use of the material is targeted in auto interiors and exteriors.

Consortium members Nishikawa Rubber (Hiroshima) and Hiroshima and Kinki Universities focused their efforts on developing a new nucleating agent for crystallization and a compatibilizer to raise the strength and heat resistance of the plastic. Other members of the government-subsidized project include JSW (Hiroshima), processor G.P. Daikyo (Higashi-Hiroshima), and flame-retardant supplier Manac (Hiroshima).