PLA - Polylactide
PLA, or polylactic acid, is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. PLA belongs to the group of polymers, more specifically to the polyesters, and is widely used in the 3D printing industry as well as for packaging, disposable tableware, and biodegradable films.
One of PLA's greatest advantages is its environmental friendliness. Unlike conventional plastics, which are derived from petroleum and often take centuries to decompose, PLA can be fully biodegraded within a few months under industrial composting conditions. This makes PLA a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, especially in single-use applications.
However, PLA also has some limitations. It is less heat-resistant than other plastics, which limits its applications at higher temperatures. Furthermore, PLA can be brittle and is not as robust as some petroleum-based plastics. Nevertheless, PLA is gaining increasing importance due to its environmentally friendly properties and the growing demand for sustainable materials.
| Raw material properties | Organic component (corn starch) |
| density | medium (~ 1.21 – 1.45 g/cm³) |
| Flammable? | Building material class B1, flame-retardant |
| softening temperature | 60-70 °C |
| Melting point | 190-210 °C |
| Dimensional stability | Up to a maximum of 65 degrees Celsius |
| Weather resistance | High |
| Elongation at break | 6% |
| UV resistance/fading | High UV resistance |
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