NEC Cell Phone - PLA/Kenaf
December 17th, 2005
In August we wrote about PLA and the challenges of its use in consumer electronics. Just earlier this week, NEC showed off their new FOMA N701i ECO phone at Eco Products 2005 in Tokyo. This phone features a kenaf reinforced PLA housing that addresses the stiffness and heat resistance issues with PLA. By using 20% kenaf, NEC was able to achieve impact strength characteristics that exceed 20% glass reinforced ABS plastic, a common plastic found in consumer electronics.
In addition, Plastic and Rubber Weekly reports that a “halogen- and phosphorus-free flame retardant PLA/kenaf version using a metal hydroxide flame retardant system has already been developed and will be used for personal computer housings from 2007… Further ahead, a shape memory version of the composite developed by NEC is expected to find application in future mobile products.” We at Vestal are very excited about this news and think this will have great design for demanufacturing potential.
NEC Press Release ...translated by Google
NEC Technical Data
N701i ECO Close-up Photo
Popularity: 4% [?]
December 19th, 2005 at 10:19 pm
That’s terrific news! I’m so excited to see PLA in computer casings. How about iPod cases?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but PLA requires high temperatures (140°F) to decompose, which means it has to be industrially composted? Although I believe compost will reach that temperature on its own… anyone know? Is there infrastructure in place, or can I toss a PLA fork in my backyard compost pile?
December 19th, 2005 at 10:26 pm
Okay, did some research – findings are very interesting:
“It was concluded that the safe amount of PLA to be placed in a compost pile is at or below 10 percent.”
“Safe” seems to be in reference to the success of composting, and more specifically maintaining a low pH. It does not mean safe/unsafe for humans.
No minimum temperature was indicated.
Also: “PLA, through hydrolysis and microbial action, will break down into carbon dioxide and water. This occurs in a compost situation because of the available microbes, moisture and heat. The heat helps the moisture with hydrolysis and keeps the microbes active. ”
Link
August 7th, 2006 at 5:27 am
we are looking for partners for kenaf production jointventure projects all over the world.
August 18th, 2006 at 1:32 am
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