Polylactide (PLA)

Alternative and trade names
Ingeo™, BioFlex®, Purapol®, Luminy®
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Description

PLA is a biobased polymer derived from natural resources and offers a significant reduction in carbon footprint compared to oil-based plastics. It is a high heat, medium flow PLA homopolymer suitable for injection molding and fiber spinning. Compared to standard PLA, these PLA homopolymers have higher melting points and an increased rate of crystallization. As a result, compounds containing PLA homopolymers are suitable for the production of semi-crystalline parts, which exhibit a higher temperature resistance.

This material data has been provided by M-Base.

"Typical" values were obtained via a literature search. "Predicted" values were imputed via artificial intelligence technology. While we have placed significant efforts in ensuring data accuracy, "typical" and "predicted" data should be considered indicative and verified by appropriate material testing. Please do contact us if additional information on the the predicted data method is required.
All metrics apply to room temperature unless otherwise stated. SI units used unless otherwise stated.
Equivalent standards are similar to one or more standards provided by the supplier. Some equivalent standards may be stricter whereas others may be outside the bounds of the original standard.

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Properties

General

PropertyValue

Density

1.2 - 1.47 g/cm³

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Mechanical

PropertyValueComment

Elastic modulus

2.2 - 4.0 GPa

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Elongation

2.0 - 28.0 %

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Impact strength, Charpy notched

1.5 - 12.0 kJ/m²

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Impact strength, Charpy unnotched

13 kJ/m²

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35 kJ/m²

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Tensile strength

60.0 - 70.0 MPa

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at 2-5% strain

Thermal

PropertyValue

Melting point

150.0 - 170.0 °C

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Specific heat capacity

1000.0 - 1260.0 J/(kg·K)

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Thermal conductivity

0.16 - 0.17 W/(m·K)

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Flammability

UL 94 HB

Optical

PropertyValue

Transparency

yes

Technological properties

Property
Application areas

Cold drink cups, fruit containers, absorbable implants, surgical sutures, blister packaging

Other

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Processing methods

Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, melt spin processes