LKIMM
Published

APPLICATIONS: High-Heat PLA in World's First Bioplastic Touchscreen Computer

The high-heat-resistant PLA compound used for the housing of the first bioplastic touchscreen computer is based on lactides from Corbion Purac.

Share

What’s said to be world’s first bioplastic touchscreen computer was showcased at the K 2013 show in Dusseldorf by Corbion Purac, a Dutch producer of lactic acid and lactides (U.S. office in Lenexa, Kans.). The PLA computer housing was developed jointly by Taiwan’s SUPLA Material Technology Co. and Kuender & Co., which produces consumer electronics for many brands. SUPLA developed optimized, high-heat-resistant PLA compounds for consumer electronics based on lactides from Corbion Purac. These compounds were used for the high-gloss housing of Kuender’s AIO (All-In-One) PC with a 21.5-in. touchscreen, and a naked-eye 3D media player.

 

“It takes a lot of effort to develop a durable grade of PLA, but it can be done with a right choice of raw material,” noted SUPLA chairman Dr. Robin Wu. SUPLA balanced the properties of blends of PLA homopolymers made from different Purac lactides to achieve the necessary heat resistance, flame retardance, toughness, dimensional stability, high-gloss finish and stable processing for the monitor screens. Working closely with SUPLA, Kuender has developed expertise in injection molding PLA blends. The resulting new front and back covers of the AIO PC pass the test standards originally used for ABS.

 

 

 

Related Content

AM Workshop
New 2024 Twin Screw Report
Vacuum Tech for Plastics Manufacturers
NPE2024: The Plastics Show
Orbetron new for 2024 micro twin screw feeder
Plastics Recycling Latam
New Tinius Olsen VectorExtensometer testing
quick mold change solutions injection molders
Improved Stainless 420 ESR