PLA

* Typical properties, not to be interpreted as specifications * HDT B, 0.45MPa flatwise. HDT depends on processing conditions.

Processing Information & Recommendations

Standard PLA can be processed on conventional extrusion equipment and can be used as neat resin or as part of a  compound to further optimize overall material properties. It is recommended to use a general purpose screw with  L/D ratios between 24 and 32. Pre-drying of the resin is recommended.

Start-up and Shutdown

1. Purge the system with a polyolefin or a purging compound (e.g. Dyna-Purge, Clean LDPE) at its recommended temperature settings.

2. Reset the temperature settings to the recommended PLA temperature profile.

3. Purge with PLA resin or PLA compound until stable processing is obtained free of contaminants.

4. Reset the temperature settings to the recommended purging compound temperature profile.

5. Purge with a polyolefin or a purging compound for 5 times the average residence time.

After completion of the run, PLA must be removed from the whole system. PLA can degrade into lactic acid causing corrosion of the equipment (e.g. die plates).

Moisture & Pre-drying

It is recommended to dry the packaging for 4-6 hours at 85°C. Drying of standard PLA can be performed in a desiccant hot air    dryer, with a dew point of -40°C or less. It is recommended to reduce the moisture content before melt processing to a level less than 250ppm and preferably less than 100 ppm, measured by e.g. Karl-Fischer or Brabender aquatrac method. Predrying is in     particular important prior to injection molding, film and sheet production. Moisture causes hydrolysis of the PLA polymer during melt processing, resulting in reduced mechanical performance in the final part.