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Floreon Bio Tech Compostable Grade

Floreon Bio Tech Compostable Grade is intended for injection molded applications, with high rigidity and good impact strength. The material is a compound of polylactic acid (PLA) and other biodegradable polyesters which enhance the melt flow rate and toughness of the material.

Polymer Name: Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Additives Included: Nucleating Agent

Labeling Claims: Biodegradable, From Renewable Resources, Low Carbon Footprint (PCF), Plant-Based, Recyclable

Processing Methods: Injection Molding

Density: 1260.0 - 1260.0 kg/m³

Technical Data Sheet

Enhanced TDS

Knowde-enriched technical product data sheet

Identification & Functionality

Features & Benefits

Labeling Claims
Materials Features
Benefits
  • Industrially compostable
  • High renewable content
  • Recyclable
  • Low carbon footprint, multiple end of life options
  • All components certified biodegradable in industrial composting according to EN13432
  • Nucleated to allow high crystallinity and heat deflection temperature.
Floreon is a HALOGEN FREE alternative to Flame Retarded ABS
  • Floreon’s base material (PLA) is ideally suited to chemical recycling.
  • In pilot plant /kilo lab trials with the Biorenewables Development Center, Floreon were able to recover 100% of the lactic acid feedstock in a simple and fast reaction, removing ALL flame retardant and fillers by simple filtration.
  • This feedstock can then be used to regenerate virgin polymer with no downcycling.
  • Is commercially viable.
  • Functions the same as traditional plastic.

Applications & Uses

Markets
Applications
Plastics & Elastomers End Uses
Plastics & Elastomers Processing Methods
Process/Applications
  •  
  • Injection molding
  • Plastic cutlery
  • Packaging
  • Toys
  • Cosmetic packaging
  • Coffee capsules
  • Food-service items
  • Applications typically served by PS or ABS
  •  

Properties

Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Melt Flow Index (at 190°C, 2.16 kg)15.0g/10 minInternal method
Specific Gravity1.26g/cm³ISO 1133, ASTM D792
Mechanical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Strain (at break)30.0%-
Tensile Strength47.0MPa-
Young’s Modulus (at 23°C)3.1GPaISO 527
Thermal Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Heat Deflection Temperature55.0°CInternal method
Melting Temperature175.0°CDSC
Shrinkage (Crystalline)**90.0°CISO 75-2/B
Shrinkage
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Shrinkage (at 25°C)0.2 - 0.4%ASTM D638
Shrinkage (at 95°C, Crystalline)**1.7 - 1.8%ASTM D638
Impact Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Notched Izod Impact Strength (at 23°C)6.6kJ/m²ISO 180
Note

** - Sample molded in hot (95⁰C) mold.

Regulatory & Compliance

Technical Details & Test Data

Processing Information
  • Floreon Bio Tech grade can be processed on general purpose injection molding equipment and a screw designed to minimize shear and residence time will produce the best results.
  • The material is typically injection molded using a melt temperature of 200°C with a mold temperature of 25°C (or 95°C for high HDT). This grade can be extruded from as low a temperature as 175 °C, but processing temperatures should not exceed 240°C.
Recommended Machine Settings Injection

Processing Temperature Profile :

Melt Temperature 200°C
Feed Throat 20°C
Feed Temperature 60°C
Compression Section 165°C
Metering Section 190°C
Nozzle 190°C
Mold 25/95°C
Drying
  • Floreon resins must be dry before use in melt processing; a water content of less than 250 ppm is recommended, otherwise product performance may be affected.
  • The solid resin will not be damaged by absorption of atmospheric moisture providing it is stored in a cool environment at temperatures not exceeding 25°C.
  • As with unmodified PLA, Floreon resins should not be left in the barrel at high temperatures for extended periods of time (10 minutes and above) as this will degrade the material resulting in a drop in viscosity and resin integrity.
  • Drying under vacuum at a maximum temperature of 90°C for a period of 2 hours is recommended to ensure best results. The material can be dried above this temperature, but some ‘clumping’ may occur, with pellets sticking together. This is reversible and the pellets can be separated on cooling with mild agitation.
Benchmarking of Floreon vs ABS

Floreon’s durable and flame retarded grades were tested alongside a high performance ABS and flame retarded ABS grade to provide a benchmark. Floreon is able to match the notched impact strength of ABS. Molded products have also passed all necessary drop testing.

Notched Impact Strength Comparison

Floreon Bio Tech Compostable Grade - Benchmarking of Floreon Vs Abs