Trade name: Luminy LX175
Use of the product: PLA homopolymer suitable for film extrusion, thermoforming, or fiber spinning.
Description: PLA is a biobased polymer derived from natural resources and offers a significant reduction in carbon footprint compared to oil-based plastics. Compared to standard PLA, these PLA homopolymers have higher melting points and an increased rate of crystallization. This product comes in PLA pellets.
As a result, compounds containing PLA homopolymers are suitable for the production of semicrystalline parts, which exhibit a higher temperature resistance.
Manufacturer: Total-Corbion
Distributor: Copier2go – 11701 NW 102nd Rd, Suite 10, Medley, FL 33178
Email: info@copier2go.com
Composition/Properties of Luminy LX175 (PLA pellets)
| Physical properties | Method | Typical value |
| Density | Literature value | 1.24 g/cm3 |
| Melt flow index | ISO 1133-A (210°C/2.16kg) | 8 g/10 min |
| Melt flow index | ISO 1133-A (190°C/2.16kg) | 3 g/10 min |
| Stereochemical purity | Total Corbion PLA method | ≥ 99% (L-isomer) |
| Appearance | Visual | Crystalline white PLA pellets |
| Residual monomer | Total Corbion PLA method | ≤ 0.3% |
| Water/moisture | Coulometric Karl-Fischer | ≤ 400 ppm |
| Melting temperature | DSC | 175°C |
| Glass transition temperature | DSC | 60°C |
| Mechanical properties | Method | Typical value |
| Tensile modulus | ISO 527-1 | 3500 MPa |
| Tensile strength | ISO 527-1 | 50 MPa |
| Elongation at break | ISO 527- | 1 ≤ 5% |
| Charpy notched impact 23°C | ISO 179-1eA | ≤ 5 kJ/m2 |
| Heat deflection temp amorphous | ISO 75-1 | 60°C |
| Heat deflection temp crystalline | ISO 75-1 | 105°C |
Luminy LX175 Moisture & Pre-Drying
It is recommended to dry Luminy LX175 from the packaging for 4-6 hours at 100°C.
Drying of semi-crystalline PLA homopolymer can be performed in a desiccant hot air dryer, with a dew point of -40°C or less.
Pre-drying is in particular important prior to injection molding, film, and sheet production.
Moisture causes hydrolysis of the PLA homopolymer during melt processing, resulting in reduced mechanical performance in the final part.
According to the Karl-Fischer Aquatrac method, it is recommended to reduce the moisture content before melt processing to a level less than 250ppm and preferably less than 100 ppm.
Raw PLA Pellets Material Processing Recommendations
Luminy LX175 can be processed on conventional extrusion equipment and can be used as neat resin or as part of a compound to further optimize overall material properties. It is recommended to use a general-purpose screw with L/D ratios between 24 and 32. Pre-drying of the resin is recommended.
| Processing recommendations | |
| Pre-drying | 4-6 hours at 100°C |
| Feed zone | 20-40°C |
| Melt zone | 180-190°C |
| Mixing & conveying | 190-220°C |
| Die head temperature | 190-220°C |
Start-up and Shutdown
- Purge the system with a polyolefin or a purging compound (Dyna-Purge, Clean LDPE, etc.) at its recommended temperature settings.
- Reset the temperature settings to the recommended PLA temperature profile.
- Purge with PLA resin or PLA compound (clear if possible) until stable processing is obtained free of contaminants.
- Reset the temperature settings to the recommended purging compound temperature profile.
- Purge with a polyolefin or a purging compound for 5 times the average residence time.
PLA Pellet Price & Bulk Options
- $34.99 – Vacuum Sealed PLA Pellet Pouches of 1.5kg/3.3lbs
- $90.00 – Sealed PLA Pellet Pouches of 10kg/22lbs
- $170.00 – Sealed PLA Pellet Pouches of 20kg/44lbs
- $7,250.00 – Super Sealed PLA Pellet Bag of 1250kg/2755lbs
Packaging & Storage Conditions
Luminy LX175 is available in 1.5kg vacuumed sealed bags, 10kg sealed bags, 20 kg sealed bags, and 1250 kg form-stable aluminum-lined big bags (moisture level not guaranteed for sample bags).
It is recommended to store these raw PLA pellets in their closed, original moisture-barrier packaging at temperatures below 50°C. Also, consider these polymer storage solutions.
Avoid storage in direct sunlight. The supplied PLA polymer pellets are typically semi-crystalline unless otherwise stated.
Raw PLA Pellets Material Compostability
Composting organic waste helps to divert organic waste from landfills or incineration.
As the composability of the end product is also dependent on the geometry of the product, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the end product to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Luminy PLA pellets follow the EN-13432 standard.
Luminy LX175 has been certified compostable by TUV Austria (OK Compost S478) and by European Bioplastics (Seedling 7W2030) up to a thickness of 2.3 mm.
Composting is a biological process in which organic wastes are degraded by microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water, and humus, a soil nutrient.
Luminy Biobased Content
Luminy LX175 has a biobased content of 100% and a biobased carbon content of 100% according to EN16785-1 under certificate number DIC-00001.
These raw PLA Pellets are certified 100% biobased according to ASTM D6866 under the USDA Bio Preferred Program.
Luminy LX175 Food Contact Status
In the European Union, Luminy® PLA polymers are compliant with EU commission regulation 10/2011 of 14 January 2011 (and amendments) on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. Lactic acid is considered a dual-use substance since lactic acid is approved as a food additive (additive number E270).
There are no SMLs or SML(T)s for the ingredients used to produce Luminy® PLA. The regulation does include a migration limit of 10 mg/dm2 on the overall migration from finished plastic articles into food.
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the final product, when intended as a food contact product, to determine that the use of the product is safe and also suitable for the intended application. While it is Total Corbion PLA’s conclusion that the above-mentioned polymers are permitted, it is the final product that must meet the given regulations and the manufacturer should take responsibility to check if the final product follows these regulations.
In the United States of America, Luminy® PLA as supplied by Total Corbion PLA has been evaluated and was found to be suitable for use in food contact applications. On 30 November 2018, FCN 001926 as applied for by Total Corbion PLA to the FDA became effective.
It is included in the list of effective notifications for FCNs on the website of the FDA. The evaluation performed was in line with the requirements of Section 201(s) and Section 409 of the Federal, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and Parts 182, 184, and 186 of the Food Additive Regulations. Luminy® PLA neat resin is approved for all food types and conditions of use B through H.
You can download the PDF of the Luminy LX175 data sheet here.
