New PLA moulding compound with 80% bio content

The MBA900H compound was developed by Panasonic Electric Works and Teijin from Teijin’s Biofront bioplastic, which has a melting point of 210°C. Biofront shows better hydrolytic stability and than PLA and achieves semi-crystallization in less than a quarter of the time, says Teijin.

Panasonic is using the MBA900H material in the housings of mobile phones and digital electronic goods, and aims to produce 1,000 tonnes per annum by the end of fiscal 2012.

Unlike conventional PLA, which has low heat resistance and limited injection moulding capabilities, the new compound combines a high biomass ratio with superior heat resistance and mouldability, says Teijin.