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    Modified PLA - RTP Co.

    July 1, 2011
    The compounds have 10 to 40% glass-fiber reinforcement.

    The glass-fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers have greater strength, stiffness, and thermal performance than unmodified PLA. The compounds are fully colorable and have 10% to 40% glass fiber.
    The 30% glass-fiber-reinforced PLA grade has tensile strength of 16.5 ksi, nearly twice that of unmodified PLA. Flexural modulus is 1,630 ksi and heat deflection temperature (HDT) is 320°F at 66 psi, 200°F above that of the unmodified version.
    Proprietary nucleation packages speed crystallization for quicker part ejection, so  injection-molding cycle time is similar to that of PP and ABS.

    RTP Co., 580 East Front St., Winona, MN 55987, (507) 454-6900, www.rtpcompany.com

    About the Author

    Jessica Shapiro

    Jessica serves as Associate Editor - 3 years service, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Drexel University.

    Work experience: Materials engineer, The Boeing Company; Primary editor for mechanical and fastening & joining.

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