Cutlery Injection Compound (PLA + Mineral Filler, FDA, 85C)

About This Product

A polylactic acid compound loaded with a rigid mineral filler, supplied as a pellet for injection moulding. The mineral phase is dispersed through the polyester during compounding, so the pellet is a two-phase composite rather than a single resin. It carries a heat resistance rating of 85C. Unfilled PLA cutlery deforms in hot food, which is the single most common complaint about compostable cutlery. PLA loses almost all of its load-bearing stiffness across its glass transition and an unfilled grade has little margin above it, so a fork left standing in a hot bowl softens under its own service load. Rigid mineral particles change that twice over, because they do not soften and carry load directly, and they restrict the mobility of the chains bound at their surfaces. The mineral filler in this grade raises the heat deflection temperature to 85C and adds the stiffness a knife needs to cut. The filler also improves cycle time by increasing thermal conductivity, which matters in a high-cavitation cutlery tool. The trade is toughness, since a filled part is stiffer but more notch-sensitive. Supplied FDA compliant for food contact. Supplied as a raw material for processing on the buyer's own line. We do not produce finished articles. It is used in disposable cutlery, in foodservice and takeaway and in catering supplies. Bio Green Chem supplies the cutlery injection compound to specification on filler loading, heat resistance, melt flow for your cavitation and colour.