US custom compounder Teknor Apex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island; www.teknorapex.com) has added two new compounds to its range of “Terraloy” polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials. The company said that the compounds enable manufacturers of electronic housings and other components to incorporate substantial amounts of bio-based content in their product, without sacrificing mechanical and thermal properties.

Based on alloys of PLA and engineering thermoplastics, “Terraloy” BP 70010 and 70011 compounds are claimed to provide similar or greater strength, stiffness, and heat distortion temperature compared with standard PC, ABS, and PC/ABS blends while incorporating 40% and 36% bio-based content respectively. Teknor Apex said that it can formulate other Terraloy 70000 series alloys on a custom basis, providing similar benefits while meeting specific customer requirements.

Potential applications for the new compounds include injection-moulded housings, handles, covers, and other components for electronic devices, medical equipment, and consumer products. The materials help manufacturers meet sustainability goals such as the minimum 25% biocontent specification in the “BioPreferred” programme of the US Department of Agriculture, the company said.