Japanese company Teijin Ltd. (TSE:3401) has improved the characteristics of its Biofront brand of bioplastic material, increasing the substance’s resistance to hydrolytic degradation sevenfold.
Biofront is a heat-resistant type of bioplastic derived from corn that can be processed into fibers and resins. Mazda Motor Corp. (TSE:7261) uses the material for the seats and interiors of its hybrid cars.
But with the improved water resistance, Biofront can now also be used for parts in the engine compartment as well as for office equipment and other products that require heat- and humidity-resistant materials.
According to Teijin, the modified Biofront lasted 10 times longer than regular bioplastics and seven times longer than unmodified Biofront in tensile strength experiments when subjected to an environment of 80 degrees celsius and 95 per cent humidity.
TOKYO, Jun 23, 2009 (AsiaPulse via COMTEX) –
Companies: Mazda Motor Corp, Teijin, Ltd.
