Bioresin holds up to high heat

Performance on par with styrenics is promised by the latest formulation of Ingeo bioresin from NatureWorks LLC (Minnetonka, MN). The new grade enables injection molding of parts with thermal dimensional stability up to 248ºF, notched Izod impact strength greater than 2 ft-lb/in, and modulus of around 450,000 psi.

The second generation Ingeo 3801X bioresin grade primarily targets injection molding of semi-durable consumer products. It joins a family of similar high-heat grades available for thermoforms, films, and gift and transactional cards. The new grade combines a high-percentage polylactide base resin with a tailored additive package designed to achieve the high heat, impact, and cycle time performance requirements of semi-durable products such as cosmetics, consumer electronics, toys, office accessories, and promotional products.

“The introduction of this high-heat technology demonstrates that the Ingeo family is maturing significantly, steadily broadening into a host of applications where these materials are a performance substitute for non-renewably sourced plastics,” says Marc Verbruggen, president and CEO of NatureWorks. “In the six years since we entered the market with our world-scale facility, the injection molding community has shown significant interest in our first-generation product. The industry has already developed a compelling array of injection molded consumer products, with items that include lipsticks and compacts, mobile phones, and auto interior parts. Today, we’re pleased to announce support for ongoing development efforts with a product that has been custom-designed to address enhanced property and performance requests.” —[email protected]