Biograde DM

 

·        A Hybrid resin for rigid moulding and extrusion applications where Biodegradability is not required.

·        For use in applications where the use of renewable resources are desired.

·        Can be used for injection moulding

 

BIOGRADE DM is based on a blend of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and polyolefin’s. This grade of resin is compatibilised to offer a high level of mechanical strength, good elongation properties and toughness.  The resin is based on corn starch which is a renewable material. 

 

·        Injection moulded products such as cutlery, toothbrushes, combs, shavers, golf-tees, etc.

·        Stakes and pegs

·        Horticultural products such as flower pots and stakes

·        Injection moulded caps and closures

·        Disposable plates and produce trays

 

 

BIOGRADE DM resin can be processed on standard injection moulding machines, sheet extruders, or profile extruders.

 

Due to differences in design and process set-up of injection molding machines the processing parameters for Biograde resins should be optimised for each individual machine, die and set-up. The following processing parameters have been successfully used for injection molding of Biograde DM and are recommended as a starting point:

 

Max Resin Moisture (%)                   0.2

Front Temperature, Feed Zone (°F)         150 to 160 deg.C

Middle Temperature (°C)                 170 to 180 deg.C

Nozzle Temperature (°C)                  170 to 180 deg.C

Processing (Melt) Temp (°C)                   160 to 170 deg.C

Mold Temperature (°C)                    10 to 15 deg.C

 

Injection Speed                         30 mm/sec

 

Hot Runners have been used successfully to process DM, but, tend to easily overheat the resin. Hot runner temperature should be kept as low as possible.

 

Specific Instructions for Moulding of BIOGRADE DM Resin:

 

Before moulding the resin, the extruder needs to be purged and cleaned of residual polyethylene or other polymers and then the BIOGRADE DM resin can be used as the last cleaning step, after which the temperature can be adjusted to the correct settings.

 

 

 

1.        The mouldings need to condition for 1-2 days after processing to develop their full strength. During the conditioning the starch component reabsorbs its moisture content making it more ductile.

2.        Wet resin should be dried before processing to limit degradation induced by water (hydrolysis).

 

 

 

BIOGRADE DM is not a Biodegradable Polymer. While it is suitable for the manufacture of injection moulded or extruded products, it is not intended for ultimate disposal in commercial composting facilities. If Biodegradability is required, use of Biograde B-M or TBM resin is recommended.