Characteristics
AffordabilityLapol® resin is less expensive than other plasticizers used for increasing the elongation and processabilty of polylactic acid (PLA) and other polymers. Since Lapol® is miscible with PLA, no additional costly compatiblizing additives are needed when using Lapol®, thereby reducing the overall cost of elongation.
Renewability & SustainabilityLapol® bioplasticizer resin is predominantly plant derived.
Biodegradability & CompostabilityLapol® bioplasticizer resin is compostable and is biodegradable under composting conditions in about 35 days based on the ASTM D6400, EN 13432 & ISO 17088 standards.
FlexibilityLapol® bioplasticizer resin drastically increases elongation without sacrificing modulus. Lapol® is typically added at 5%-10% loading to achieve the same elongation (i.e., 100%+) as other more expensive (often 100% petroleum based) plasticizing resins requiring 20% loading in PLA.
ClarityLapol® bioplasticizer resin is miscible with PLA and does not affect the clarity of PLA like other plasticizing agents. Haze does develop with higher concentrations, but one can still see through the plastic. Many applications will need about 5%-10% concentration of Lapol®
and therefore, only a little haze should be expected.
CompatibilityLapol® bioplasticizer is compatible and miscible with PLA up to 20%. Unlike compounding with 100% petroleum-based aliphatic/aromatic copolyesters (AAC), there is no need to add additional costly compatibilizers or processing aids for improved compatibilization. Since PLA and Lapol® are "like polymers" they are very compatible in compounding so there is no die swell out of the compounder, a common phenomenon with petroleum based plasticizers.
Download Compatibility SEM MicrographAvailabilityLapol® resin is made in America in top production facilities with no limitation on production capacity.
"Heat-ability" LAPOL® HDT - COMING SOON
The new Lapol® HDT additive for increasing the heat deflection temperature of PLA is going into pilot production and will soon be available as a masterbatch pellet or as a solid. For interested parties, please email us at info@lapol.net to be added to our contact list for full-scale commercialization notification.
Click here to read the article in the September 2010 Edition of Agricultural Magazine, Helping Earth-Friendly, Corn-Based Plastics Take the Heat.
