High-performance bioresins target auto sector, compete with PP, PS, ABS

Peak heat resistance of up to 120°C (HDT B) is now achievable with high-performance grades of polylactic acid (PLA) resin from bioresin manufacturer Purac (Lincolnshire, IL). Target applications include automotive underhood components and interiors.

PLA resins focus on auto part applications in vehicle interiors and under the hood.

The global shift towards a bio-based economy has placed pressure on plastic producers to seek alternatives to their oil-based plastic products, according to Purac. The high-heat bioresins that it has developed will enable product designers to create environmentally friendly parts for consumer electronics and high-heat packaging, as well as auto parts.

To accelerate further the market introduction of this next-generation PLA, Purac decided to offer a range of specially developed high-performance resins to the market. The range includes:

• PLLA (poly(L-lactic acid)) homopolymer resins with high stereochemical purity: available in a range of viscosities, specially developed for film extrusion, thermoforming, film blowing, fiber spinning, compounding and injection molding applications.
• PDLA (poly(D-lactic acid)) homopolymer resins with high stereochemical purity: available as a nucleating agent for PLLA homopolymer resins. PDLA, when combined with PLLA, will yield a compound suitable for injection molding or thermoforming that shows both an excellent heat performance and a reduction in the processing cycle time.
• PLA compounded blends, containing PLLA and PDLA homopolymers, that have been specifically developed for injection molding and extrusion. These blends have a heat performance similar to traditional PS, PP and ABS.

The PLA resins and blends are available from Purac for sampling and product evaluation purposes. Industrial-scale PLA product evaluations will also be supported and supplied directly by Purac. For ongoing commercial quantities of PLA resins, Purac will bring interested parties in direct contact with its strategic PLA supply partners.