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Plastarch Material (PSM) is a biodegradable, thermoplastic resin. It is composed of non-GMO (non-genetically modified) cornstarch combined with several other biodegradable materials. The cornstarch is modified in order to obtain heat-resistant properties, making PSM one of few bioplastics capable of withstanding high temperatures. PSM began to be commercially available in 2005.
PSM is stable in the atmosphere, but biodegradable in compost, wet soil, fresh water, seawater, and activated sludge where microorganisms exist. It has a softening temperature of 257°F (125°C) and a melting temperature of 313°F (156°C).
It is also hygroscopic. The material has to be dried in a material dryer at 150°F (66°C) for five hours or 180°F (82°C) for three hours. For injection molding and extrusion the barrel temperatures should be at 340° +/- 10°F (171°C) with the nozzle/die at 360°F (182°C).
Due to how similar PSM is to other plastics (such as polypropylene and CPET), PSM can run on many existing thermoforming and injection molding lines. PSM is currently used for a wide variety of applications in the plastic market, such as food packaging and utensils, personal care items, plastic bags, temporary construction tubing, industrial foam packaging, industrial and agricultural film, window insulation, construction stakes, and horticulture planters.
Since PSM is derived from a renewable resource (corn), it has become an attractive alternative to petrochemical-derived products. Unlike plastic, PSM can also be disposed of through incineration, resulting in non-toxic smoke and a white residue which can be used as fertilizer.
PSM complies with the international environmental-friendly requirements of ISO14851 (related to biodegradable and compostability), European EN13432 (Packaging - Requirements for Packaging Recoverable through Composting and Biodegradation - Test Scheme and Evaluation Criteria for the Final Acceptance of Packaging), North America ASTM D6400 (Standard specification for Compostable Plastics), US FDA regulation 176.170 and EU EN 71-3:1994/A1:2000. It also meets the degradability criteria of GB 18006.1 - 1999 issued by State Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine.
Developments
- In 2005, PSM (plastarch material) made the move from lab to commercial use as the first truly biodegradable and heat-resistant bioplastic.
- Towards the end of 2006, PSM Type II was released to the commercial market. This new formula allows the manufacturing of Blown Films (such as plastic bags) to consist of 100% PSM with no plastic additives.
External links
- PSM North America
- Bioplastics.org: Bioplastic Plastic Resin Information
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 16 October 2008, at 15:59.
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