Masterbatch acts as melt strength enhancer.
December 9, 2011 -
To broaden processing window of PLA in cast film and sheet for clear end products, Terraloy® MB-90001A1 increases pull force that can be applied to polylactic acid (PLA) by 300%-500% over range of drawdown ratios. At loading levels of 6%-10%, masterbatch increases extensional force that can be applied to PLA during processing at drawdown ratios as high as 35:1.
Original Press release
Teknor Apex Co.
505 Central Ave.
Pawtucket, RI, 02861
USA
Masterbatch Yields Three- to Five-Fold Increase In Melt Strength of PLA Over a Wide Range of Drawdown Ratios
Terraloy® Modifier from Teknor Apex Broadens the Processing Window of PLA in Clear Cast Film and Sheet for Packaging and Other Applications
PAWTUCKET, RI, U.S.A.: A new melt strength enhancer in masterbatch form increases the pull force that can be applied to polylactic acid (PLA) by 300 to 500% over a wide range of drawdown ratios, making possible higher throughputs in extrusion and thermoforming while reducing scrap rates, it was announced by Teknor Apex Company.
Terraloy® MB-90001A1 melt strength enhancer broadens the processing window of PLA in cast film and sheet for clear end products such as clamshell containers used in produce packaging, food service takeout, and other applications. At loading levels of 6 to 10%, the masterbatch dramatically increases the extensional force that can be applied to PLA during processing at drawdown ratios as high as 35:1 (see graph).
"Poor melt strength has limited productivity in the processing of standard PLA and prevented use of the resin in certain applications," said Edwin Tam, manager of new strategic initiatives for the Bioplastics Division of Teknor Apex. "Besides overcoming these obstacles, the new Terraloy masterbatch disperses more efficiently and uniformly in PLA than additives that come in powder form and does not affect the clarity of neat PLA."
THE BIOPLASTICS DIVISION OF TEKNOR APEX COMPANY is a custom compounder of plastics derived from renewable resources. Product families include: 1) hybrids that combine thermoplastic starch (TPS) with standard petrochemical-based polymers such as polyolefins or polystyrene; 2) biodegradable or compostable blends of bioplastics such as TPS, PLA, PBAT, and PHA, some of which meet ASTM D-6400 and are listed by the Biodegradable Products Institute; 3) recycled-content hybrids that combine post-industrial or post-consumer polyolefins with TPS; and 4) PLA-based masterbatches that incorporate additives such as impact modifier or melt strength enhancers. Parent company Teknor Apex is one of the world's leading custom compounders of thermoplastics, including vinyls, elastomers, nylons, and color concentrates. Teknor Apex was established in 1924 and is privately held. Headquartered in Pawtucket, RI, U.S.A., it manufactures in the U.S.A., Singapore, China, and the UK and sells in 90 countries. Visit www.teknorapex.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tel: 1-401-725-8000. Fax: 1-401-724-8520. Email: bioplastics@teknorapex.com
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