Kareline® PLMS composites are injection mouldable natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites, which are biologically degradable, when subjected to the right conditions:
- Excellent oxidation-, colour- and molecular weight stability in the melt
- Compostable: The matrix polymer used in the composite is certified according to DIN EN 13432:2000-12 and ASTM D 6400
- Polymer used is on renewable monomers
- Fibres used are based on sustainable produced, renewable, environment certified (PEFC) forest resources from non-rainforest sources.
The matrix plastic of Kareline® PLMS composites is biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA). The fibre used is ECF bleached long fibre Nordic soft wood pulp (cellulose). The fibre content of Kareline® PLMS composites is 10 - 50 weight% (for example Kareline® PLMS6040, Kareline® PLMS7030). Customer tailor made grades are also available.
PLMS is hydrolysed autocatalytically in humid environments at temperatures above 60°C. The subunit lactic acid is liberated to be used by micro-organisms as food. The speed of biodegradation depends on the thickness of the moulded article and on the ambient temperature.
The material can be regarded as CO2-neutral and renewable, because lactic acid used is made out of natural sugar resources, which are in turn made by photosynthesis out of CO2 in plants, just like the fibres used are from renewable forest resources.
Kareline® PLMS composites are suitable for e.g. compostable products, products used in cemeteries, disposables and packaging.