New line of engineered bioplastic specialty compounds from bioplastics

11-Sep-09

A comprehensive line of engineered bioplastic specialty compounds that utilize resins derived from rapidly renewable resources has been introduced by RTP Company. These bioplastic compounds contain 20-80% bio-content by weight and were developed to meet marketplace requests for alternative "green" materials. Initially, bioplastic compounds based on polyamide, polyester, and polylactic acid (PLA) are available in grades providing conductive, flame retardant, structural, and wear resistant value-added properties. Prospective applications for bioplastic compounds include automotive interior and industrial components, semi-durable consumer goods, and housings and enclosures for electronics or business equipment. Bioplastic polyamide- and polyester-based compounds are available with glass fiber reinforcement, antistatic protection, halogen-free flame retardant, and PTFE lubrication. Polylactic acid (PLA) grades are combined with PC, PMMA, or ABS in hybrid formulations that increase mechanical performance and offer antistatic, flame retardant, and structural properties. A 32% bio-content PLA/PC alloy has a notched IZOD impact strength of 15 ft-lbs/in (800 J/m), and a 40% bio-content PLA/PMMA alloy is optically clear. All current bioplastic grades are fully colorable to standard and custom matched colors.