NatureWorks 4043D Hot Sale PLA Resin

Physical Properties

• Specific Gravity: The specific gravity is 1.24 g/cc, measured according to ASTM D1505.
• Moisture Vapor Transmission: The moisture vapor transmission ranges from 13.8 – 15.7 cc – mm/m² – 24hr – atm in metric units and 35.1 – 39.9 cc – mil/100 in² – 24hr – atm in English units, as determined by ASTM F1249.
• Oxygen Transmission: The oxygen transmission ranges from 25.6 – 27.6 cc – mm/m² – 24hr – atm in metric units and 65.0 – 70.1 cc – mil/100 in² – 24hr – atm in English units, based on ASTM D3985.
• Carbon Dioxide Transmission: The carbon dioxide transmission ranges from 106 – 118 cc – mm/m² – 24hr – atm in metric units and 269 – 300 cc – mil/100 in² – 24hr – atm in English units, according to NatureWorks’ test.
• Viscosity Measurement: The viscosity measurement is 4.0 at 30.0 °C (86.0 °F), representing relative viscosity in 1.0 g/dl chloroform.
• Melt Flow: The melt flow rate is 6.0 g/10 min under a load of 2.16 kg (4.76 lb) at 210 °C (410 °F).

Polymer Properties:

1. Base Material: Polylactic Acid (PLA)
2. Key Features & Characteristics:
   
   • Excellent Transparency: Produces films and parts with exceptional clarity and gloss, making it an ideal choice for consumer-facing packaging 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.
   • Versatile Processability: Offers stable and consistent performance on various extrusion and thermoforming equipment, making it a go-to for different manufacturing needs.
   • 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 balanced melt flow rate makes NatureWorks 4043D 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. It’s often used for deli containers, salad bowls, and bakery clamshells.
• 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.
• Blister Packaging: The resin’s clarity and stiffness are well-suited for producing blister packs and transparent trays for retail display.
• Film and Extruded Sheets: Suitable for producing clear films and sheets for packaging, graphics, and display purposes.

Processing Guidelines

NatureWorks 4043D is a 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.