PLA is often regarded as being biodegradable.
PLA is often regarded as being biodegradable.
item no.:
PLA-NA-LGFPayment:
Discussedproduct origin:
ChinaColor:
Natural color or Customizedshipping port:
XiamenLead Time:
2-10 working days
Introduction
Long glass fiber reinforced modified PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a high-performance composite material combining the sustainability of PLA with the enhanced mechanical properties of long glass fibers. This innovative material is increasingly used in various industries due to its superior strength, durability, and environmental benefits.
Composition and Structure
Long glass fiber reinforced PLA consists of polylactic acid, a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, and long glass fibers. The glass fibers are significantly longer compared to short fibers or milled fibers, providing superior reinforcement. These fibers are embedded within the PLA matrix during the manufacturing process, creating a composite material with enhanced mechanical properties.
Key Properties
Enhanced Strength and Stiffness: The inclusion of long glass fibers significantly improves the tensile strength, flexural strength, and stiffness of PLA. This makes the composite suitable for applications requiring high load-bearing capacity and structural integrity.
Improved Durability: Long glass fibers enhance the impact resistance and overall durability of PLA, making it more resistant to wear and tear, which is crucial for demanding applications.
Heat Resistance: The composite material exhibits better thermal stability compared to standard PLA, enabling it to maintain performance under higher temperatures.
Low Weight: Despite its enhanced strength and durability, long glass fiber reinforced PLA remains lightweight, which is beneficial for applications in the automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods sectors.
Biodegradability: PLA is known for its biodegradability, and incorporating long glass fibers does not significantly impact this property. This makes the material an environmentally friendly choice compared to other non-biodegradable composites.
Applications
Automotive Industry: Used for manufacturing lightweight yet strong components such as interior parts, structural elements, and exterior trims.
Aerospace Industry: Ideal for producing parts where strength-to-weight ratio is crucial, including structural components and supports.
Consumer Goods: Applied in making durable and high-strength items like sporting equipment, electronics housings, and tools.
Industrial Applications: Suitable for creating components that need to withstand high stress and environmental conditions, including machinery parts and equipment housings.
Manufacturing Process
Compounding: PLA pellets are mixed with long glass fibers in a compounding machine to create a homogenous composite material.
Extrusion: The compounded material is extruded into various shapes and forms, such as sheets, rods, or pellets.
Injection Molding: The extruded material can be molded into specific parts and components using injection molding techniques.
Post-Processing: Additional treatments, such as annealing or surface coating, may be applied to enhance the material’s properties further.
Conclusion
Long glass fiber reinforced modified PLA represents a significant advancement in composite materials, combining the ecological benefits of PLA with the performance-enhancing properties of long glass fibers. Its superior strength, durability, and environmental friendliness make it a valuable material for a wide range of applications in modern industries.