Teijin Limited has developed technology to significantly enhance the heat and impact resistance of its high-performance bioplastic, Planext, an eco-friendly bio-polycarbonate made with bio-content based on isosorbide from corn-starch and other plants.

The technology modifies the molecular design of Planext to achieve greatly improved heat resistance with a glass-transition temperature of 120*C, as well as superior resistance to impact.

In addition, a separate proprietary flame-retardant technology enables the bioplastic to achieve top-level flame retardancy of UL94V-0 at 1.6mm.

Planext has excellent mouldability and durability, and is superior to oil-derived polycarbonates in terms of surface hardness (pencil hardness rank: H), weather and chemical resistance, and light transmission of 92%. Its enhanced heat and impact resistance, enables it for a much wider range of applications.

Teijin will develop markets for Planext as a strategic bio and next-generation transparent material with new applications in the electronics, architecture and exterior fields, starting with the Japanese market. Annual production capacity at the company’s Matsuyama Factory in Ehime Prefecture, Japan is expected to expand to 3,000 tonnes within a few years.