🧩 PC+BIO – Bio-based Polycarbonate
(Modern eco-friendly material, resulting from the combination of polycarbonate with biopolymers or natural additives. It maintains the mechanical strength characteristic of PC but has a reduced carbon footprint. Increasingly used in sustainable automotive components.)
🔹 What is PC+BIO
PC+BIO is an eco-modified polycarbonate where a portion of the synthetic resin is replaced with biopolymers (based on starch, polylactic acid – PLA, lignin, vegetable oils, or natural fibers).
The purpose of this blend is to reduce environmental impact without compromising the mechanical and thermal performance of traditional polycarbonate. The resulting material is durable, thermally stable, and partially biodegradable in industrial environments.
🔧 Composition
- Polycarbonate (PC): 60–80 %
- Biopolymers (PLA, starch, lignin): 20–40 %
- Natural UV Additives / Stabilizers: 1–3 %
- Density: 1.15–1.20 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 210–230 °C
- Chemical Resistance: Good (oils, detergents, mild solvents).
- Sustainability: Up to 40–60 % renewable / recyclable content.
🚗 Where PC+BIO is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Eco Interior | Frames, covers, panels, buttons | Eco-friendly glossy or textured surfaces |
| Light Exterior | Sensor covers, ornaments | Good UV stability and hardness |
| Technical / Struct. | Secondary non-structural parts | Low weight, good rigidity |
| Eco-design | Prototypes, test components | Recyclable and partially biodegradable |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 230 – 250 °C | Gentle heating; avoid overheating the biopolymer |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 220 – 240 °C | Clean, controlled joint |
| Manual Extrusion | 220 – 250 °C | Suitable for thick parts and reinforcements |
🔩 What to Weld PC+BIO With (Material Compatibility)
PC+BIO has good compatibility with other polycarbonate blends and eco-modified materials.
✅ Compatible with:
- PC+BIO ↔ PC / PC+ABS / PC+ASA / Bio-PC – good bond.
- PC+BIO ↔ PLA-based blends / Bio-ABS – excellent compatibility.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC, PS, TPO – major differences in melting and density.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use PC+BIO rods or transparent PC rods at 240–250 °C. Heat gradually; biopolymers can carbonize at temperatures that are too high. Avoid sudden cooling — let the part stabilize naturally.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- SABIC: Lexan® Eco / BioBlend
- Covestro: Makrolon® RE / Circular
- LG Chem: LUPOY® Eco / Bio-PC
- Trinseo: CALIBRE™ Bio
🧠 How to Identify PC+BIO
- Engraved marking: >PC+BIO<, >PC/ECO<, >BIO-PC<, >Lexan Eco<.
- Semi-glossy surface, slightly yellowish or natural-greenish tint.
- Neutral, slightly organic odor during melting.
- Softens at ≈ 240 °C without visible bubbles.
- May feature a fine texture or a matte-natural look.
🛠️ PC+BIO Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PC+BIO welding for eco-interior frames and decorative housings, providing a clean, durable, and sustainable finish.