PLA US NatureWorks 2003D

NatureWorks 2003D (USA)

NatureWorks 2003D is a general‑purpose extrusion‑grade PLA resin, designed for food‑contact applications requiring bio‑based and biodegradable properties. It delivers balanced mechanical performance, good processability, high transparency and full food‑contact compliance.

Main Applications

Fresh‑food Packaging & Tableware: Yogurt containers, food‑service utensils, transparent food boxes, lidded containers, cold‑drink cups. General‑purpose Films & Sheets: Packaging films and sheets produced via extrusion process. Laboratory Research & Modification Base Resin: Widely used as matrix resin for developing bio‑based composites and blends.

Property Specifications

Category	Property	Test Standard	Typical Value	Unit
Basic Physical Properties	Specific gravity / Density	ASTM D792	1.24	g/cm³
	Melt Flow Rate (210 °C, 2.16 kg)	ASTM D1238	6 (5‑10)	g/10min
	D‑lactide isomer content	‑	4.0‑4.5%	‑
Mechanical Properties	Tensile yield strength	ASTM D882	60	MPa
	Tensile breaking strength	ASTM D882	53	MPa
	Tensile modulus	ASTM D882	3.5	GPa
	Elongation at break	ASTM D882	6.0	%
	Izod notched impact strength	ASTM D256	16	J/m
Thermal Properties	Melting point	ASTM D3418	145‑160	°C
	Glass‑transition temperature (Tg)	ASTM D3418	55.0‑66.0	°C
	Heat‑deflection temperature (0.46 MPa)	ASTM E2092	55	°C
	Melt processing temperature	‑	~210	°C

Extrusion & Injection‑Molding Processing Parameters

Processing Stage	Parameter	Recommended Range	Unit
Pre‑treatment	Drying temperature	55‑60	°C
	Drying time	2‑24	h
	Recommended dryer	Dehumidifying dryer (moisture ≤0.025%)	‑
Extrusion process	Barrel temperature (rear to front)	160‑200	°C
	Melt temperature	≤210	°C
	Die temperature	Set according to runner design	°C
Injection molding	Barrel temperature	Gradient 160‑200	°C
	Melt temperature	≤210	°C
	Mold temperature	Adjusted for crystallization performance	°C
General settings	Screw L/D ratio	≥24	‑
	Compression ratio	2.5‑3.0	‑

All above data are for reference only.