PDLA LMW-NA
Additive grade
LMW-NA = low-molecular-weight PDLA nucleating/stereocomplex additive grade
Pick when 1–5 % PDLA is dosed into PLLA purely to nucleate crystallisation and shorten cycle time.
Values for the LMW-NA condition
Other PDLA grades and fills
PDLA is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at PDLA.
- LMW-NA
- SC
Compare all 2 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LMW-NAThis page Low-molecular-weight PDLA nucleating/stereocomplex additive grade | Pick when 1–5 % PDLA is dosed into PLLA purely to nucleate crystallisation and shorten cycle time. | 40 | 40 | 2 | 80 Shore D |
ScPLA | Choose when PLA-level stiffness is needed with 200 °C+ melting and much higher heat deflection than plain PLA. | — | 68 | 4 | — |
What is PDLA LMW-NA?
PDLA LMW-NA is PDLA in the LMW-NA grade — pick when 1–5 % PDLA is dosed into PLLA purely to nucleate crystallisation and shorten cycle time. PDLA LMW-NA has a yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) — weaker than 63% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 3 GPa (0.435 Msi). PDLA LMW-NA has a density of 1.25 g/cm³ (0.0452 lb/in³), heavier than 64% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 58°C (136 °F).
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 2.6 kg CO₂/kg, better than 89% of polymer grades
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.4%, better than 82% of polymer grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 77% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 45°C (113 °F), worse than 98% of polymer grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 50/100, worse than 97% of polymer grades
- Limited ductility — 2%, worse than 95% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.15 W/m·K (0.0867 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of polymer grades
- Difficult to machine — 45/100, worse than 78% of polymer grades
PDLA LMW-NA properties
Typical room-temperature values for PDLA LMW-NA; 28 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PDLA reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical7
PDLA LMW-NA has a density of 1.25 g/cm³ (0.0452 lb/in³), heavier than 64% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 58°C (136 °F).
Mechanical16
PDLA LMW-NA has a yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) — weaker than 63% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 3 GPa (0.435 Msi).
Thermal11
PDLA LMW-NA is rated for continuous service to 45°C (113 °F). It conducts heat at 0.15 W/m·K (0.0867 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 80 µm/m·K (44.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PDLA LMW-NA is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 20 kV/mm (508 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (50/100), worse than 97% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PDLA LMW-NA takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 2.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 98% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability8
PDLA LMW-NA's machinability is fair (45/100, worse than 78% of polymer grades); weldability good (55/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PDLA LMW-NA
Is PDLA easy to machine?
Machines like acrylic — sharp tools, high speed, low feed, air cooling; avoid coolants and frictional heat that soften it above ~55 °C.
Can PDLA be welded?
Ultrasonic, hot-plate and heat-sealing all work; solvent bonding with chloroform/dichloromethane, but no chemical resistance to those solvents in service.
Can PDLA be formed, bent or molded?
Dry pellets to <250 ppm before extrusion/moulding to prevent hydrolytic MW loss; melt 195–230 °C (245–265 °C for scPLA blends) and mould hot (90–140 °C) to develop crystallinity.
What surface finishes work on PDLA?
Takes paint and vapour-coating with adhesion primer; no plating; polishes and laser-marks readily but avoid alkaline cleaners and steam.
PDLA chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| D-lactic acid (D-lactide) repeat unitoptical purity governs stereocomplex formation | 97 – 99.9 | 99 |
| L-lactic acid repeat unitresidual enantiomer from feedstock | 0.1 – 3 | 1 |
| Sn (Sn(Oct)2 ring-opening catalyst residlower for medical grades | 0 – 0.02 | 0.01 |
| residual lactide monomer<0.1 % for medical grades | 0 – 0.5 | 0.2 |
PDLA LMW-NA — frequently asked
What is PDLA LMW-NA used for?
PDLA LMW-NA is typically used for stereocomplex PLA blending agent, heat-resistant PLA compounds and research/medical polymer blends. In short: raises PLA heat resistance; scPLA blending enantiomer; specialty low-volume PLA.
What is the yield strength of PDLA LMW-NA?
PDLA LMW-NA has a typical yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) — weaker than 63% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is PDLA LMW-NA easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, worse than 78% of polymer grades). Machines like acrylic — sharp tools, high speed, low feed, air cooling; avoid coolants and frictional heat that soften it above ~55 °C.
Can PDLA LMW-NA be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). Ultrasonic, hot-plate and heat-sealing all work; solvent bonding with chloroform/dichloromethane, but no chemical resistance to those solvents in service.
What surface finishes work on PDLA LMW-NA?
Takes paint and vapour-coating with adhesion primer; no plating; polishes and laser-marks readily but avoid alkaline cleaners and steam.
Can PDLA LMW-NA be formed, bent or molded?
Dry pellets to <250 ppm before extrusion/moulding to prevent hydrolytic MW loss; melt 195–230 °C (245–265 °C for scPLA blends) and mould hot (90–140 °C) to develop crystallinity.
What is the maximum service temperature of PDLA LMW-NA?
PDLA LMW-NA is rated for continuous use to about 45°C (113 °F), and briefly to 70°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- Luminy PLA resin portfolio (D-series / high-heat stereocomplex data) — TotalEnergies Corbion (2023)
- Poly(lactic acid): Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing and Applications — Wiley (2010)
- ASM Engineered Materials Handbook — Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- CAMPUS / UL Prospector PLA property sets — CAMPUS / UL (2024)
- GB/T 1040 / ASTM D638, D790, D256, D648 test methods — SAC / ASTM (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.