2010年7月1日
Panasonic Electric Works Co.，Ltd。和Teijin Limitedannounced today their joint development of a highly heat-resistant polylactide (PLA) molding compound made 80% from plant-based renewable feedstock and providing significantly reduced molding cycle time of around half that of conventional PLA compounds.
从this month, Panasonic Electric Works will begin selling the new material as its MBA900H PLA molding compound for use in the housings of cell phones and other mobile devices and digital consumer electronics. The initial goal is 1,000 tons of annual production by fiscal 2012 ending in March 2013.
MBA900H中使用的生物塑料是Teijin的BiofrontTM，这是一种高度耐热的PLA，其熔点至少为210°C，显着高于常规PLA。BioFrontTM还显示出更好的水解稳定性，并在传统PLA所需的20-25％的时间内实现了半结晶。
Panasonic Electric Works successfully developed the MBA900H molding compound using its proprietary compound-design and production technologies. The new material has been proven in testing conducted by the company to shorten molding cycle time by roughly half compared to conventional PLA compounds.
Efforts to shift from oil-based to biomass-based plastics are increasing as companies look for ways to help protect the global environment and create sustainable societies. Bioplastics, for example, are being used increasingly in consumer electronics, automotive interiors and other areas, but conventional PLA has low heat resistance and limited injection-molding capability because of its longer molding cycle time. Molding compounds have been developed by mixing PLA with oil-based plastics, but attaining the desired levels of heat resistance and moldability has required a high ratio of oil-based plastic.
The MBA900H solves these problems as a molding compound that combines high biomass ratio with superior heat resistance and moldability.
Teijin will continue to accelerate its cultivation of new applications and markets for BIOFRONTTM, which already is used in clothing, interior goods, automobiles and consumer electronics. Teijin aims to mass produce some 5,000 tons of BIOFRONTTM in fiscal 2011, and then eventually several tens of thousands of tons of this advanced bioplastic.