spore: profile
id: pla
spore_version: '0.2'
family: polyesters
name: Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide, including Ingeo grades for injection moulding, extrusion and 3D printing
abbreviation: PLA
role: Bio-based polyester for moulded parts, extruded sheet, coatings and 3D printing filament
category: polymers
type: polyesters
summary: Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bio-based thermoplastic polyester made from lactic acid, which is produced by fermenting plant sugars. NatureWorks sells it as Ingeo, in grades for injection moulding, extrusion, extrusion coating and 3D printing. The printing monofilament grades have a density of 1.22 to 1.24 g/cc and a glass transition of 55 to 60 °C, and the heat deflection temperature is 54 to 55 °C for the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades, against 144 to 149 °C for nucleated crystalline formulations.
best_for: Moulded and extruded parts that stay below about 55 °C in service, such as clear cups, cutlery and housings, and printed parts from the high-heat monofilament grades (heat deflection 75 to 90 °C).
weakest_at: 'Heat and moisture: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades deform at 54 to 55 °C, and moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) risks viscosity loss during processing.'
identity:
  formula: (C3H4O2)n, backbone [-C(CH3)HC(=O)O-]n of polylactic acid (polylactide)
  cas: 26100-51-6
  designations:
    - system: Name
      code: PLA
      source: nw-3d850
      where: 'Hazards section: the primary thermal decomposition product of PLA'
    - system: Name
      code: polylactic acid
      source: wikipedia-pla
      where: 'Lead paragraph, first sentence: Polylactic acid, also known as poly(lactic acid) or polylactide (PLA)'
    - system: Name
      code: polylactide
      source: nw-2500hp
      where: 'Drying curve title: Polylactide Pellets'
    - system: Name
      code: PLLA
      source: wikipedia-pla
      where: 'Stereoisomers section: poly-L-lactide (PLLA)'
    - system: CAS
      code: 26100-51-6
      source: wikipedia-pla
      where: Chembox, Identifiers, CAS Number
    - system: Trade name
      code: Ingeo 3D850
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Datasheet title and page 1
    - system: Trade name
      code: Ingeo 3D870
      source: nw-3d870
      where: Datasheet title and page 1
    - system: Trade name
      code: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
      source: nw-2003d
      where: Datasheet title and first paragraph
    - system: Trade name
      code: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      source: nw-3052d
      where: Datasheet title and first paragraph
    - system: Trade name
      code: Ingeo 3001D
      source: nw-3001d
      where: Datasheet first paragraph
    - system: Trade name
      code: Ingeo 3100HP
      source: nw-3100hp
      where: Datasheet first paragraph
    - system: Trade name
      code: Ingeo 2500HP
      source: nw-2500hp
      where: Datasheet first paragraph
  source: wikipedia-pla
  where: Lead paragraph, backbone formula; Chembox, Identifiers, CAS Number
tags:
  environments: []
  stresses: []
  applications:
    - electronics-and-chips
    - structures
properties:
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: density
    label: Density, Ingeo 3D850 (specific gravity)
    value: 1.24
    unit: g/cc
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
      test: ASTM D792
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical value printed in the Physical Properties table of the 3D850 datasheet (Specific Gravity, g/cc)
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Typical Material Properties, Physical Properties, Specific Gravity row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: density
    label: Density, Ingeo 3D870 (specific gravity)
    value: 1.22
    unit: g/cc
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: not stated; typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
      test: ASTM D792
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical value printed in the Physical Properties table of the 3D870 datasheet (Specific Gravity, g/cc)
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Physical Properties table, Specific Gravity row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: glass_transition_temperature
    label: Glass transition temperature, Ingeo 3D850
    value: 55
    value_high: 60
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
      test: ASTM D3418
      temperature: not printed
      heating_rate: not printed
    method: Typical range printed as Glass Transition Temperature in the 3D850 datasheet (ASTM D3418)
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Typical Material Properties, Physical Properties, Glass Transition Temperature row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: glass_transition_temperature
    label: Glass transition temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
    value: 55
    value_high: 60
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D3418
      temperature: not printed
      heating_rate: not printed
    method: Typical range printed as Glass Transition Temperature in the 3052D datasheet (ASTM D3418)
    source: nw-3052d
    where: Typical Material and Application Properties, Physical Properties, Glass Transition Temperature row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: melting_point
    label: Peak melt temperature, Ingeo 3D850
    value: 165
    value_high: 180
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
      test: ASTM D3418
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical range printed as Peak Melt Temperature in the 3D850 datasheet (ASTM D3418)
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Typical Material Properties, Physical Properties, Peak Melt Temperature row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting point, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
    value: 140
    value_high: 155
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
      processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D3418
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical range printed as Melting Point in the 2003D datasheet (ASTM D3418)
    source: nw-2003d
    where: Typical Material and Application Properties, Melting Point row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: melting_point
    label: Crystalline melt temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
    value: 145
    value_high: 160
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D3418
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical range printed as Crystalline Melt Temperature in the 3052D datasheet (ASTM D3418)
    source: nw-3052d
    where: Physical Properties table, Crystalline Melt Temperature row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: melting_point
    label: Peak crystalline melting point, Ingeo 3100HP (nucleated, crystalline moulding)
    value: 165
    value_high: 180
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
      test: not printed
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed in the crystalline block of the 3100HP datasheet; the datasheet prints no test method or temperature for this row
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, Peak crystalline melting point row, crystalline block
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed, crystalline block)
    value: 80
    value_high: 90
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
      test: ASTM E2092
      load: 0.45 MPa (66 psi)
    method: Printed in the mechanical block that footnote 4 covers (3D printed part, annealed); the datasheet does not name the specimen for this row separately
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Heat Distortion Temperature row, 66 psi (0.45 MPa)
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3D870 (3D printed)
    value: 75
    value_high: 85
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      test: ASTM E2092
      load: 0.45 MPa (66 psi)
    method: Printed in the Mechanical Properties table of the 3D870 datasheet, whose footnote 3 covers the 3D printed bars
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Heat Distortion Temperature row, 66 psi (0.45 MPa)
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
    value: 55
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
      processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM E2092
      load: not printed
    method: Typical value printed in the 2003D datasheet; the datasheet prints no load for this value
    source: nw-2003d
    where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Heat Distortion Temperature row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
    value: 55
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM E2092
      load: not printed
    method: Typical value printed in the 3052D datasheet; the datasheet prints no load for this value
    source: nw-3052d
    where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Heat Distortion Temperature row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
    value: 54
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
      test: ASTM E2092
      load: 0.455 MPa (66 psi)
    method: Printed in the molded amorphous block of Table 1 in the 3100HP datasheet
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, Mechanical Properties molded amorphous block, Heat Distortion Temperature row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
    value: 149
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
      test: ASTM E2092
      load: 0.455 MPa (66 psi)
    method: Printed in the molded crystalline block of Table 1 in the 3100HP datasheet
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, Mechanical Properties molded crystalline block, Heat Distortion Temperature row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 2500HP, crystalline moulding
    value: 144
    unit: °C
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 2500HP
      processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
      test: ASTM E2092
      load: 0.45 MPa (66 psi)
    method: Printed in the molded crystalline block of Table 1 in the 2500HP datasheet
    source: nw-2500hp
    where: Table 1, Mechanical Properties molded crystalline block, Heat Distortion Temperature row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
    value: 50
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 7,290 psi (50 MPa) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Tensile Strength row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed)
    value: 40
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: XY axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 5,802 psi (40 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Strength row, XY AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, YX axis (3D printed)
    value: 32
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: YX axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 4,641 psi (32 MPa) in the YX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Strength row, YX AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, ZX axis (3D printed)
    value: 24
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: ZX axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 3,481 psi (24 MPa) in the ZX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Strength row, ZX AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength at break, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
    value: 53
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
      processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D882
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical value printed as Tensile Strength @ Break in the 2003D datasheet (7,700 psi, 53 MPa)
    source: nw-2003d
    where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Tensile Strength @ Break row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
    value: 51
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 7,440 psi (51 MPa) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Tensile Yield Strength row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
    value: 60
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
      processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D882
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical value printed as Tensile Yield Strength in the 2003D datasheet (8,700 psi, 60 MPa)
    source: nw-2003d
    where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Tensile Yield Strength row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
    value: 62
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical value printed as Tensile Yield Strength in the 3052D datasheet (9,000 psi, 62 MPa)
    source: nw-3052d
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Yield Strength row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
    value: 65
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 9,400 psi (65 MPa) in the molded amorphous block of Table 1
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, molded amorphous block, Tensile Yield Strength row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
    value: 64
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 9,300 psi (64 MPa) in the molded crystalline block of Table 1
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, molded crystalline block, Tensile Yield Strength row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Tensile modulus, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
    value: 2315
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 335,790 psi (2315 MPa) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Tensile Modulus row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Tensile modulus, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed)
    value: 2865
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: XY axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 416 kpsi (2,865 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Modulus row, XY AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Tensile modulus, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
    value: 3.5
    unit: GPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
      processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D882
      temperature: not printed
    method: 'Typical value printed as Tensile Modulus, kpsi (GPa): 500 (3.5)'
    source: nw-2003d
    where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Tensile Modulus row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
    value: 108
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D790
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 15,700 (108) under a header that reads (MPa); the value in parentheses, 108 MPa, is the figure used
    source: nw-3052d
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Strength row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
    value: 112
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
      test: ASTM D790
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 16,200 psi (112 MPa) in the molded amorphous block of Table 1
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, molded amorphous block, Flexural Strength row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed)
    value: 73
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: XY axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D790
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 10,588 psi (73 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Strength row, XY AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, YX axis (3D printed)
    value: 49
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: YX axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D790
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 7,106 psi (49 MPa) in the YX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Strength row, YX AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, ZX axis (3D printed)
    value: 46
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: ZX axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D790
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 6,672 psi (46 MPa) in the ZX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Strength row, ZX AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Flexural modulus, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
    value: 3600
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D790
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 515,000 (3600) in the Mechanical Properties table, with the header reading MPa
    source: nw-3052d
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Modulus row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Flexural modulus, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
    value: 4357
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
      test: ASTM D790
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 632,000 psi (4357 MPa) in the molded crystalline block of Table 1
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, molded crystalline block, Flexural Modulus row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Flexural modulus, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed)
    value: 2414
    unit: MPa
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: XY axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D790
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 350 kpsi (2,414 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Modulus row, XY AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: elongation
    label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
    value: 3.31
    unit: '%'
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the mechanical block; the datasheet does not say whether this is at break or at yield
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Tensile Elongation row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: elongation
    label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
    value: 6
    unit: '%'
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
      processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D882
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical value printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the 2003D datasheet; the datasheet does not say whether this is at break
    source: nw-2003d
    where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Tensile Elongation row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: elongation
    label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
    value: 3.5
    unit: '%'
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical value printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the 3052D datasheet
    source: nw-3052d
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Elongation row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: elongation
    label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
    value: 3.4
    unit: '%'
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the molded amorphous block of Table 1
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, molded amorphous block, Tensile Elongation row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: elongation
    label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
    value: 2.2
    unit: '%'
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
      test: ASTM D638
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the molded crystalline block of Table 1
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, molded crystalline block, Tensile Elongation row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: notched_izod_impact
    label: Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
    value: 118
    unit: J/m
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
      test: ASTM D256
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 2.21 ft-lb/in (118 J/m) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Notched Izod Impact row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: notched_izod_impact
    label: Notched Izod impact, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
    value: 16
    unit: J/m
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D256
      temperature: not printed
    method: Typical value printed as 0.3 (16.0) ft-lb/in (J/m) in the 3052D datasheet
    source: nw-3052d
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Notched Izod Impact row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: notched_izod_impact
    label: Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis, amorphous (3D printed)
    value: 160
    unit: J/m
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: XY axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D256
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 2.99 (160) ft-lb/in (J/m) in the Notched Izod Impact [amorphous] row of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Notched Izod Impact [amorphous] row, XY AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: notched_izod_impact
    label: Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis, crystalline (3D printed)
    value: 233
    unit: J/m
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D870
      processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
      orientation: XY axis (as printed)
      test: ASTM D256
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 4.37 (233) ft-lb/in (J/m) in the Notched Izod Impact [crystalline] row of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
    source: nw-3d870
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Notched Izod Impact [crystalline] row, XY AXIS column
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    label: Melt flow rate, Ingeo 3D850
    value: 7
    value_high: 9
    unit: g/10 min
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3D850
      processing: injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
      test: ASTM D1238
      temperature: 210 °C
      load: 2.16 kg
    method: Printed as MFR, g/10 min, with footnote 2 giving 210 °C and 2.16 kg
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Typical Material Properties, Physical Properties, MFR row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    label: Melt flow rate, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
    value: 14
    unit: g/10 min
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
      processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
      test: ASTM D1238
      temperature: 210 °C
      load: 2.16 kg
    method: Typical value printed as MFR, g/10 min (210 °C, 2.16 kg) in the 3052D datasheet
    source: nw-3052d
    where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, MFR row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: molded_linear_shrinkage
    label: Molded linear shrinkage, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
    value: 0.2
    value_high: 0.4
    unit: '%'
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
      test: not printed
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as Molded Linear Shrinkage, % in the molded amorphous block of Table 1; no test method printed
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, molded amorphous block, Molded Linear Shrinkage row
  - scope: material
    status: ground
    benchmark: molded_linear_shrinkage
    label: Molded linear shrinkage, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
    value: 1.7
    value_high: 1.8
    unit: '%'
    conditions:
      grade: Ingeo 3100HP
      processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
      test: not printed
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as Molded Linear Shrinkage, % in the molded crystalline block of Table 1; no test method printed
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, molded crystalline block, Molded Linear Shrinkage row
corrosion:
  - environment: Heat above the melting point (residence in the melt)
    headline: Residues held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly.
    effect: The primary thermal decomposition product is acetaldehyde, with carbon monoxide and hexanal also named. The datasheet lists extruders, fibre spinning lines, injection moulding machines, accumulators, pipe lines and adapters as equipment where this can occur.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      temperature: 175 °C
      time: more than 24 hours, above the melt
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Safety and Handling Considerations, page 3
  - environment: Moisture during drying and melting (hydrolysis and viscosity loss)
    headline: Moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) risks viscosity degradation.
    effect: Several datasheets recommend drying below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture to prevent viscosity degradation. The 1102 extrusion coating datasheet also warns that long residence causes thermal and hydrolytic degradation, and recommends 50 ppm for that grade.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      moisture_limit: 0.025 % (250 ppm)
      coating_grade_limit: 50 ppm
    source: nw-2003d
    where: Drying section, page 1
  - environment: Processing above 250 °C (depolymerisation)
    headline: Melt temperatures above 250 °C can cause depolymerisation, which shows as excessive fuming.
    effect: The 1102 datasheet recommends a maximum melt temperature of 250 °C with resin dried to 50 ppm, and says excessive fuming may indicate depolymerisation, especially if the resin is not adequately dried.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      melt_temperature_max: 250 °C
      moisture: 50 ppm
    source: nw-1102
    where: Processing text, machine configuration section
  - environment: Heat in service (softening under load)
    headline: Amorphous 3100HP and the 2003D and 3052D grades deform under load at 54 to 55 °C; nucleated crystalline formulations reach 144 to 149 °C.
    effect: Heat deflection is 54 °C for amorphous 3100HP and 55 °C for the 2003D and 3052D grades, against 149 °C for 3100HP and 144 °C for 2500HP when crystallised with 1 wt % nucleating agent. Annealing printed parts at 80 to 130 °C raises their heat deflection temperature (3D850 datasheet).
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      load: 0.455 MPa (66 psi) for the 3100HP and 2500HP rows
      test: ASTM E2092
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Table 1, Heat Distortion Temperature rows, amorphous and crystalline blocks
risks:
  hazards:
    - text: NatureWorks says Ingeo has a very low degree of toxicity and should pose no unusual problems from incidental ingestion or eye and skin contact under normal use. Pellets or beads may present a slipping hazard.
      ghs: []
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
    - text: 'NatureWorks product safety statement (February 2025): the FDA is quoted as saying Ingeo PLA is non-toxic, and lactic acid is generally recognised as safe as a food additive. This is a manufacturer statement, not a GHS classification.'
      ghs: []
      source: nw-safety
      where: Pages 1 and 2
    - text: 'Lactide (PubChem CID 7272), the cyclic dimer used to make PLA: H319 (100 %) causes serious eye irritation, with signal word Warning, aggregated from 158 reports in 6 ECHA notifications. This describes the monomer, not the polymer.'
      ghs:
        - H319
      source: pubchem-lactide
      where: GHS Classification, aggregated ECHA C&L notifications
    - text: 'Lactic acid (PubChem CID 612), the building block of PLA: H315 (87.5 %) causes skin irritation, H318 (91.9 %) causes serious eye damage and H314 (11.8 %) causes severe skin burns, with signal word Danger, aggregated from 2808 reports in 35 notifications. This describes the acid, not the polymer.'
      ghs:
        - H314
        - H315
        - H318
      source: pubchem-lactic
      where: GHS Classification, aggregated ECHA C&L notifications
    - text: Thermal decomposition products are acetaldehyde (primary), carbon monoxide and hexanal. The resin burns with clear to white smoke, and toxic fumes form on incomplete combustion.
      ghs: []
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Safety and Handling Considerations, page 3
    - text: Vapours and dusts may irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Dust layers can ignite, and suspended dust can pose an explosion hazard.
      ghs: []
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Hazards and Handling Precautions and Combustibility, page 3
  failure_risks:
    - mode: Thermal decomposition in the melt
      trigger: Residue held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °C
      consequence: Significant decomposition, releasing acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hexanal
      severity: moderate
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Safety and Handling Considerations, page 3
    - mode: Viscosity loss from moisture
      trigger: Moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) at melting
      consequence: Viscosity degradation, the reason the datasheets give for the drying limit
      severity: moderate
      source: nw-2003d
      where: Drying section, page 1
    - mode: Depolymerisation above 250 °C
      trigger: Melt processing above 250 °C, especially with resin that is not adequately dried
      consequence: Excessive fuming, which the datasheet links to depolymerisation
      severity: moderate
      source: nw-1102
      where: Processing text, machine configuration section
    - mode: Softening under load (amorphous 3100HP)
      trigger: Service above about 54 °C under 0.455 MPa, for amorphous 3100HP
      consequence: Heat deflection at 54 °C; nucleated crystalline formulations hold to 144 to 149 °C
      severity: moderate
      source: nw-3100hp
      where: Table 1, Heat Distortion Temperature rows
    - mode: Low notched impact strength
      trigger: Impact on the 3052D grade
      consequence: Notched Izod impact of 16 J/m (0.3 ft-lb/in) for the 3052D grade
      severity: moderate
      source: nw-3052d
      where: Mechanical Properties table, Notched Izod Impact row
  side_effects:
    - text: Workers should be protected from contact with molten resin during fabrication. The datasheet advises insulated gloves for thermal protection where the melt is handled locally.
      affects: Operators during processing
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
    - text: Fumes from the melt above about 175 °C can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.
      affects: Operators and people near processing equipment
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
    - text: Pellets or beads may present a slipping hazard on the processing floor.
      affects: People in the processing area
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
  handling:
    - text: Dry the resin to a moisture content below 0.025 % (250 ppm) before melting. The 3D850 datasheet gives 4 hours at 80 °C as a typical condition, or a dew point of -35 °C.
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Drying section, page 2
    - text: Keep dried resin sealed until it is used, and reseal unused material promptly. The resin should not be exposed to atmospheric conditions after drying.
      source: nw-3052d
      where: Drying section, page 1
    - text: Use local exhaust ventilation at melt operations, and an approved dust respirator where dust forms.
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
    - text: In extrusion coating, keep the melt at or below 250 °C with resin dried to 50 ppm, and minimise back pressure to shorten residence time.
      source: nw-1102
      where: Processing text
    - text: Recycle unused, uncontaminated resin into the process where possible; otherwise send it to incineration. Do not dump PLA into sewers or any body of water.
      source: nw-3d850
      where: Disposal section, page 3
  mitigations:
    - text: Heat resistance above 54 °C needs a crystalline, nucleated formulation. The 3100HP and 2500HP datasheets reach 144 to 149 °C heat deflection with 1 wt % nucleating agent added, but both grades are sold as neat resin.
      source: nw-3100hp
      where: Table 1, footnote 3, crystalline blocks; Processing Information
    - text: Anneal 3D printed parts at 110 to 120 °C to crystallise them and improve their thermal performance. The 3D870 datasheet gives about 20 minutes for 3.18 mm walls.
      source: nw-3d870
      where: Annealing Printed Parts section, page 2
    - text: 'Choose 3D870 where impact strength matters with high heat: it prints with a 75 to 85 °C heat deflection and a notched Izod of 160 J/m (XY, amorphous).'
      source: nw-3d870
      where: Mechanical Properties table; Annealing Printed Parts section
uses:
  - application: electronics-and-chips
    device: Injection-moulded electronics housings
    example: NatureWorks lists electronics housings and semi-durable building materials as uses of Ingeo 3100HP, a medium-flow injection-moulding grade. With 1 wt % nucleating agent added, its crystallised form has a heat deflection temperature of 149 °C at 0.455 MPa.
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Applications text, page 1; Table 1
  - application: structures
    device: Semi-durable building materials (injection-moulded parts)
    example: Ingeo 3100HP is named for semi-durable building materials, alongside disposable cutlery, cups and plates.
    source: nw-3100hp
    where: Applications text, page 1
supply:
  - subject: 'Polylactic acid (PLA) resin, Ingeo: production site in the United States'
    abundance: NatureWorks manufacturing facility at Blair, Nebraska, listed on its locations page.
    producers:
      - country: United States
    critical_lists: []
    substitutes: []
    source: nw-locations
    where: Locations page, Manufacturing Facility entry
  - subject: 'Polylactic acid (PLA) resin, Ingeo: production site in Thailand'
    abundance: NatureWorks announced a grand opening of a fully integrated manufacturing facility in Thailand on April 29, 2026, as the first PLA producer to set up a second manufacturing site. A press release dated July 24, 2026 names the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex.
    producers:
      - country: Thailand
        year: 2026
    critical_lists: []
    substitutes: []
    source: nw-press
    where: Press releases page, entries dated April 29, 2026 and July 24, 2026
  - subject: 'Feedstock: fermentable plant sugars for lactic acid'
    abundance: NatureWorks says its lactic acid can come from fermenting the dextrose or sucrose of cassava, corn starch, sugar cane or sugar beets. No mineral is involved, so no USGS critical-mineral entry applies.
    producers: []
    critical_lists: []
    substitutes: []
    source: nw-feedstock
    where: Sustainable feedstocks page, main text
  - subject: Unused PLA resin at end of life
    recycling: 'Unused or uncontaminated resin: recycle into the process where possible; otherwise send to an incinerator or other thermal destruction device.'
    producers: []
    critical_lists: []
    substitutes: []
    source: nw-3d850
    where: Disposal section, page 3
media: []
documents:
  - title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3D850 Technical Data Sheet (3D printing monofilament)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/6d5ea62c-7872-4297-aff7-67b8a53fe47f/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3D850_monofilament.pdf?language=en
  - title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3D870 Technical Data Sheet (3D printing monofilament)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/ac36d91b-1b72-48f5-b75c-d607d6f04b91/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3D870_monofilament.pdf?language=en
  - title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 2003D Technical Data Sheet (fresh food packaging, extrusion)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/c6e20928-e3c4-4cc7-b47a-75e57eb9fd27/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_2003D_FFP-FSW.pdf?language=en
  - title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3052D Technical Data Sheet (injection molding)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/6805abc8-bb6a-4261-a75c-5abe985b51a9/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3052D_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
  - title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3001D Technical Data Sheet (injection molding)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/65678305-5cfe-4bc2-99bd-4ae066d803aa/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3001D_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
  - title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3100HP Technical Data Sheet (injection molding)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/569f5e37-1445-4562-b48a-2595ac9cea60/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3100HP_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
  - title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 2500HP Technical Data Sheet (extrusion)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/df32280e-89c5-4dc7-8e52-a2327f8b4bda/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_2500HP_extrusion.pdf?language=en
  - title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 1102 Technical Data Sheet (extrusion coating)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/5bf5ac0d-902b-4cd1-b8bc-ee648f863924/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_1102_Extrusion-20Coating_v7.pdf?language=en
  - title: NatureWorks, Product Safety and Toxicity (February 4, 2025)
    type: report
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/1afc24f0-7e5a-4bed-9d6b-bdb5f4489701/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/NatureWorks-Product-Safety-Toxicity.pdf?language=en
    year: 2025
  - title: 'PubChem CID 7272, Lactide: GHS classification'
    type: database
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/7272/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
  - title: 'PubChem CID 612, Lactic Acid: GHS classification'
    type: database
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/612/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
gaps:
  - No moisture absorption value (equilibrium water uptake, % by weight) for PLA is printed on any fetched page. The datasheets give drying limits only, below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture.
  - No hydrolysis rate, molecular-weight loss or humidity-ageing data for named grades was found. The 1102 datasheet names hydrolytic degradation only in words, and a 2012 NatureWorks presentation calls new grades more hydrolysis resistant without numbers. Neither is entered.
  - No UV, radiation, solvent, acid or alkali resistance data for PLA was found in the fetched sources, so those rows are not entered.
  - No flight, outgassing (ASTM E595) or atomic-oxygen data for PLA was found, so no environment tag is set and no space test result is entered.
  - Vicat softening temperature, specific heat, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion and refractive index are not printed on the fetched datasheets, so none is entered.
  - Specific gravity 1.24 is printed without a unit on the 2003D, 3052D, 3001D, 3100HP and 2500HP datasheets. Those values are not entered. The 3D850 and 3D870 values are the only density rows, because they are printed in g/cc.
  - No test temperature is printed for the ASTM mechanical, flexural, impact or melt tests on the datasheets. Those conditions read not printed. The heat deflection load is not printed for the 2003D and 3052D rows.
  - The 3D850 heat deflection row sits in the crystalline mechanical block under footnote 4. The datasheet does not name a specimen for that row separately.
  - The PLA heat release values (peak heat release rate 375 W/g, pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry) quoted in Jones et al. 2018 (PMC6279784) name no PLA grade, so they are not entered. That table also gives a total heat release of 17.8 kJ/g for PLA against 21.5 kJ/g in its text.
  - CAS 26023-30-3 is not printed on any fetched page. PubChem name lookups for polylactic acid, polylactide and CAS 26100-51-6 returned no compound, so no PubChem record for the polymer is cited.
  - Hazard data for the polymer come from NatureWorks statements and from PubChem records for lactide and lactic acid (the monomer and the building block). NatureWorks says safety data sheets are available on request, and none was found on the public pages read, so no SDS is cited.
  - Producer shares by country, capacity volumes and other PLA producers (for example TotalEnergies Corbion) were not read. The supply entries list only the two NatureWorks sites named on its own pages.
  - Wikipedia gives density (1210 to 1430 kg/m3), melting point (150 to 160 °C) and glass transition (60 to 65 °C) figures. They are not entered, because Wikipedia is used here for identifiers, formula and synthesis only.
  - 'Non-canonical property names are used: notched_izod_impact, melt_flow_rate and molded_linear_shrinkage. None of these is in spores/property-canon.yaml.'
  - No photographs or diagrams were added to media, and no image licence was read in this run.
  - The 3D300 and 3D700 printing datasheets were downloaded but not read in detail, so no value from them is entered.
  - Atomic weights are not computed for the recipe, because no NIST table was read in this run. Atom counts come from the printed backbone formula.
  - No long-term heat ageing or service-life data at 55 °C or above was found in the fetched sources.
sources:
  nw-3d850:
    title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3D850 Technical Data Sheet, 3D printing monofilament (high heat grade)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/6d5ea62c-7872-4297-aff7-67b8a53fe47f/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3D850_monofilament.pdf?language=en
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-3d870:
    title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3D870 Technical Data Sheet, 3D printing monofilament (high heat and impact grade)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/ac36d91b-1b72-48f5-b75c-d607d6f04b91/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3D870_monofilament.pdf?language=en
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-2003d:
    title: Ingeo Biopolymer 2003D Technical Data Sheet, fresh food packaging and food serviceware (extrusion grade)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/c6e20928-e3c4-4cc7-b47a-75e57eb9fd27/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_2003D_FFP-FSW.pdf?language=en
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-3052d:
    title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3052D Technical Data Sheet, injection molding (clear)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/6805abc8-bb6a-4261-a75c-5abe985b51a9/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3052D_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-3001d:
    title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3001D Technical Data Sheet, injection molding (clear)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/65678305-5cfe-4bc2-99bd-4ae066d803aa/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3001D_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-3100hp:
    title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3100HP Technical Data Sheet, injection molding (medium viscosity, crystallising)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/569f5e37-1445-4562-b48a-2595ac9cea60/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3100HP_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-2500hp:
    title: Ingeo Biopolymer 2500HP Technical Data Sheet, extrusion (high viscosity, crystallising)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/df32280e-89c5-4dc7-8e52-a2327f8b4bda/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_2500HP_extrusion.pdf?language=en
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-1102:
    title: Ingeo Biopolymer 1102 Technical Data Sheet, two-component system for extrusion coating on paper and paperboard
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/5bf5ac0d-902b-4cd1-b8bc-ee648f863924/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_1102_Extrusion-20Coating_v7.pdf?language=en
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-safety:
    title: NatureWorks, Product Safety and Toxicity (statement dated February 4, 2025)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/1afc24f0-7e5a-4bed-9d6b-bdb5f4489701/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/NatureWorks-Product-Safety-Toxicity.pdf?language=en
    kind: report
    year: 2025
    license: Manufacturer statement (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-feedstock:
    title: NatureWorks, Sustainable feedstocks
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/sustainability/sustainable-feedstocks
    kind: web
    license: Manufacturer web page (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-locations:
    title: NatureWorks, Locations (manufacturing facility, Blair, Nebraska)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/about/locations
    kind: web
    license: Manufacturer web page (cited, not reproduced)
  nw-press:
    title: NatureWorks, press releases (Thailand manufacturing facility, 2026)
    url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/about/news/press-releases
    kind: web
    license: Manufacturer web page (cited, not reproduced)
  pubchem-lactide:
    title: 'PubChem CID 7272, Lactide: GHS classification (aggregated ECHA C&L notifications)'
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/7272/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
    kind: database
    license: Public domain (NIH PubChem)
  pubchem-lactic:
    title: 'PubChem CID 612, Lactic Acid: GHS classification (aggregated ECHA C&L notifications)'
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/612/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
    kind: database
    license: Public domain (NIH PubChem)
  wikipedia-pla:
    title: 'Polylactic acid, Wikipedia (lead: backbone formula; identifiers: CAS number; synthesis; feedstock; stereoisomers)'
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA 4.0
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-24'
review:
  status: draft
  method: assistant
  checked_values: 49
  unreachable: 0
  caveats: 10
  note: 'Read by an AI assistant on 2026-10-24 from the NatureWorks datasheets (PDF text extracted with pdftotext in this run), NatureWorks web pages, PubChem REST records and Wikipedia. Web search was unavailable, so pages were fetched directly. Caveats: no test temperature is printed; the 3D850 heat deflection row sits in the crystalline block; the 2003D and 3052D heat deflection loads are not printed; the 3052D flexural header reads MPa with a psi-like first number; specific gravity is printed without a unit on five grades.'
story:
  why: PLA is a plant-based plastic made from lactic acid. It is stiff, it moulds, extrudes and prints easily, and several grades are clear. Its weak point is heat. Unless it is crystallised, it softens at about 55 °C, and it must be kept dry before melting.
  recipe:
    line: PLA is a polyester of lactic acid. Wikipedia describes it as formally made by condensation of lactic acid with loss of water, or by ring-opening polymerisation of lactide, the cyclic dimer of the repeat unit. Lactic acid can be made by fermenting plant sugars. NatureWorks says these can be the dextrose or sucrose of cassava, corn starch, sugar cane or sugar beets. The backbone formula is (C3H4O2)n, a repeat of [-C(CH3)HC(=O)O-].
    parts:
      - name: Carbon
        symbol: C
        share_note: 3 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)n
        role: 'Carbon backbone of the repeat unit: the methine, methyl and carbonyl carbons of each lactic acid unit.'
        source: wikipedia-pla
        where: Lead paragraph, backbone formula
      - name: Hydrogen
        symbol: H
        share_note: 4 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)n
        role: 'Four hydrogens per repeat unit: three on the methyl group and one on the methine carbon.'
        source: wikipedia-pla
        where: Lead paragraph, backbone formula
      - name: Oxygen
        symbol: O
        share_note: 2 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)n
        role: 'Two oxygens per repeat unit: the carbonyl oxygen and the ester oxygen.'
        source: wikipedia-pla
        where: Lead paragraph, backbone formula
  risk_groups:
    - title: For people
      level: 1
      verdict: Low toxicity; monomer irritant
      lead: NatureWorks describes the polymer as very low in toxicity. The hazard data that exist are for the monomer and for the lactic acid building block.
      points:
        - label: Polymer
          line: The 3D850 datasheet says Ingeo has a very low degree of toxicity and should pose no unusual problems from incidental ingestion or eye and skin contact under normal use.
        - label: Lactide
          line: PubChem lists lactide (CID 7272) with H319, serious eye irritation, in 100 % of the company reports that give a hazard code, with signal word Warning.
        - label: Lactic acid
          line: 'PubChem lists lactic acid (CID 612) with H315, H318 and H314: skin irritation, serious eye damage and severe skin burns, with signal word Danger.'
    - title: If it overheats
      level: 2
      verdict: Fumes and decomposition above the melt
      lead: Heat is the main hazard in processing. Above the melt, PLA gives off acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hexanal.
      points:
        - label: Decomposition
          line: Residues held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly (3D850 datasheet).
        - label: Fumes
          line: Above the melt, typically at 175 °C, fumes that irritate the eyes and mucous membranes can form (3D850 datasheet).
        - label: Fire
          line: The resin burns with clear to white smoke. Toxic fumes form on incomplete combustion, and suspended dust can explode (3D850 datasheet).
    - title: Handling and storage
      points:
        - label: Moisture
          line: Dry the resin below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture before melting, or viscosity degrades (3D850 and 2003D datasheets).
        - label: Dust
          line: Dust and vapours may irritate the eyes and upper airways. Use an approved dust respirator where dust forms (3D850 datasheet).
        - label: Disposal
          line: Recycle unused, uncontaminated resin into the process where possible, otherwise send it to incineration (3D850 datasheet).
  uses:
    - where: Electronics housings
      line: NatureWorks lists electronics housings and semi-durable building materials as uses of Ingeo 3100HP, a medium-flow injection-moulding grade.
    - where: 3D printing
      line: The 3D850 and 3D870 monofilament grades are sold for 3D printers. The 3D850 is a high-heat grade, and the 3D870 is a high-heat and impact grade.
    - where: Cups, cutlery and food packaging
      line: NatureWorks names Ingeo 2003D for fresh food packaging and food serviceware, and Ingeo 3052D and 3001D for cutlery, cups, plates and outdoor novelties.
  can_do:
    - label: Stiff
      line: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D has a flexural modulus of 3600 MPa, and Ingeo 3100HP reaches 4357 MPa when crystallised with 1 wt % nucleating agent.
      benchmark: flexural_modulus
      value: 3600 MPa to 4357 MPa
    - label: Strong
      line: Tensile yield strength is 62 MPa for Ingeo biopolymer 3052D, and 64 to 65 MPa for Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous or crystallised (ASTM D638).
      benchmark: yield_strength
      value: 62 MPa to 65 MPa
    - label: Clear
      line: The clarity rows read transparent for Ingeo biopolymer 3052D, Ingeo 3001D and the amorphous-moulded 3100HP.
      value: Transparent (amorphous)
    - label: Heat
      line: Heat deflection temperature is 54 °C for amorphous 3100HP, and 149 °C for 3100HP crystallised with 1 wt % nucleating agent, at 0.455 MPa.
      benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
      value: 54 °C to 149 °C
    - label: Printed heat
      line: After annealing, the high-heat monofilaments reach a heat deflection temperature of 75 to 90 °C (3D870 and 3D850, ASTM E2092).
      benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
      value: 75 °C to 90 °C
  compare: 'Among the grades in these datasheets, density is 1.22 to 1.24 g/cc, and the glass transition is 55 to 60 °C where it is printed. The big spread is in heat: 54 to 55 °C for the moulded grades 3100HP (amorphous), 2003D and 3052D, 75 to 90 °C for the printed high-heat monofilaments, and 144 to 149 °C for nucleated crystalline moulded formulations.'
  compare_rows:
    - label: Density
      benchmark: density
      scope: material
    - label: Glass transition temperature
      benchmark: glass_transition_temperature
      scope: material
    - label: Heat deflection temperature
      benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
      scope: material
  handling:
    - Dry the resin below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture before melting. The 3D850 datasheet gives 4 hours at 80 °C as a typical condition.
    - Keep dried resin sealed, and reseal unused material promptly.
    - Keep the melt at or below 250 °C in extrusion coating, with resin dried to 50 ppm.
    - Use local exhaust ventilation at melt operations and insulated gloves where the melt is handled.
    - Anneal printed parts at 80 to 130 °C to raise the heat deflection temperature (3D850 datasheet).
  good_for:
    - Clear moulded cups, cutlery and plates from the clear grades Ingeo 3052D and 3001D (flexural modulus 3600 MPa for 3052D).
    - 'Printed parts from the monofilament grades: Ingeo 3D850 (heat deflection 80 to 90 °C) and Ingeo 3D870 (75 to 85 °C, with a notched Izod of 160 J/m in the XY direction).'
    - Electronics housings and semi-durable building materials from Ingeo 3100HP, a medium-flow injection-moulding grade.
    - Fresh food packaging and food serviceware from Ingeo 2003D, an extrusion grade for sheet and roll stock.
  watch_out:
    - 'Heat: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades reach a heat deflection of only 54 to 55 °C. Only nucleated crystalline formulations (144 to 149 °C) are used above that.'
    - 'Moisture: dry the resin below 0.025 % (250 ppm) before melting, or viscosity degrades.'
    - 'Decomposition: residues held above the melt for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly.'
    - 'Space: no flight, outgassing or atomic-oxygen data for PLA was found in the sources read.'
  verdict: 'PLA is a stiff, bio-based polyester that moulds, extrudes and prints well, with a density of 1.22 to 1.24 g/cc and a glass transition of 55 to 60 °C. Heat resistance depends on crystallinity: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades soften at 54 to 55 °C, and nucleated crystalline formulations reach 144 to 149 °C. For space use, no flight, outgassing or atomic-oxygen data was found, so PLA is not verified for orbit.'