🧩 PBAT – Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate
(Biodegradable and elastic material obtained by copolymerizing terephthalic acid, adipic acid, and 1,4-butanediol. PBAT is an aliphatic-aromatic polyester with flexibility and transparency comparable to PE-LD.)
🔹 What is PBAT
PBAT is a leading biodegradable polyester. At ReplastMD, we treat it as a high-performance eco-elastomer. Its dual structure — aliphatic segments for flexibility and aromatic segments for strength — makes it ideal for flexible automotive gaskets and films. It is fully compostable in soil and industrial environments, providing a sustainable alternative to low-density polyethylene (PE-LD).
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Polymer Base: Aliphatic-aromatic copolymer (PBAT).
- Density: 1.25 – 1.27 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: 110 – 125 °C.
- Operating Range: –30 °C to +80 °C.
- Chemical Resistance: Good (oils, greases, cold water).
- UV Resistance: Moderate.
🚗 Where PBAT is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Bio Gaskets | Interior protectors, caps | Elastic, glossy, biodegradable |
| Technical Films | Interior layers, protectors | Transparent, soft, smooth |
| Bio Decorative Trim | Inserts, panels, flexible parts | Ecological alternative to PE-LD |
| Demo Bio Parts | Prototypes and test components | Easily injectable and moldable |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temp | Observations |
| Hot Air | ✅ 110 – 130 °C | Easy to weld, smoke-free, controlled melt |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | ✅ 120 – 130 °C | Clear, glossy bonding |
| Manual Extrusion | ⚠️ 130 – 140 °C | Possible, but requires flow control |
| Chemical Bonding | ✅ Recommended | Bio-compatible polyester adhesives |
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: PBAT welds effectively with hot air at 120 °C, offering a clear, glossy, and elastic joint. For thin sections, use light pressure and allow for slow cooling to maintain a uniform surface.