NatureWorks 3052D Hot Sale PLA Resin

Physical Properties

• Specific Gravity: Measured by ASTM D792, the specific gravity is 1.24 g/cc, indicating the material’s density relative to water.
• Viscosity Measurement: At 30.0 °C (86.0 °F), the relative viscosity is 3.3 (1.0 g/dl in chloroform), reflecting solution flow characteristics.
• Linear Mold Shrinkage: The linear mold shrinkage ranges from 0.003–0.005 cm/cm (0.003–0.005 in/in), showing dimensional change during molding.
• Melt Flow: Per ASTM D1238, the melt flow rate is 14 g/10 min at 210 °C (410 °F) under 2.16 kg (4.76 lb) load, indicating melt processability.

Polymer Properties:

• Base Material: Polylactic acid (PLA)
• Key Features & Characteristics:
  
  • Excellent Transparency: Produces clear and glossy parts with minimal haze, making it ideal for packaging and consumer products where visual appeal is crucial.
  • Good Rigidity and Strength: Offers a stiff, rigid structure suitable for trays and containers, providing durability without adding significant weight.
  • Fast Crystallization and Cycle Times: Its optimized flow and crystallization characteristics enable faster injection molding cycles, boosting productivity and efficiency.
  • Bio-based and Compostable: As with all Ingeo PLA resins, it is derived from renewable resources and is industrially compostable, providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

Applications:

The combination of high clarity, good rigidity, and a high melt flow rate makes NatureWorks 3052D suitable for a variety of rigid, transparent products, especially those for consumer packaging.

• Thermoformed Packaging: Ideal for creating clear food containers, trays, and lids due to its high clarity and fast molding characteristics.
• Disposable Drink Cups and Cutlery: Its high rigidity and transparency make it a popular choice for single-use cups and utensils, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
• Injection-Molded Parts: Excellent for injection molding of clear containers, cosmetic packaging, and other consumer goods where a stiff, transparent material is required.
• Optical Applications: Can be used for applications requiring good optical clarity, such as display windows and transparent housings.

Processing Guidelines

NatureWorks 3052D is a highly versatile grade that can be processed on a variety of conventional equipment. Proper drying is crucial to prevent hydrolysis and ensure optimal product quality.

• Recommended Processing Temperature: 170°C – 200°C
• Drying: The resin should be dried to a moisture content of <250 ppm before processing. Recommended drying conditions are 4 hours at 40°C.