🧩 PHA+PHB – Rigid Biodegradable Biopolymer
(A biodegradable blend of natural polyesters used in technical applications requiring high rigidity, thermal stability, and full biodegradability. One of the most promising structural bioplastics with properties similar to PP or ABS.)
🔹 What is PHA+PHB
PHA+PHB is a high-performance structural bio-hybrid. At ReplastMD, we treat it as a top-tier sustainable material. While pure PHB is known for its rigidity but brittle nature, blending it with PHA results in a balanced material with improved toughness. It can withstand temperatures up to 130 °C, making it suitable for functional automotive parts like sensor housings and interior panels that require dimensional stability.
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Polymer Base: PHA (60–80%) + PHB (20–40%).
- Density: ~ 1.22–1.26 g/cm³.
- Processing Temp: 170 – 190 °C.
- Chemical Group: Natural aliphatic polyesters.
- Scent: Sweet vegetal smell when heated (burnt oil).
🚗 Where it is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Interior Decorative Panels | Toyota, Hyundai | Biodegradable, natural gloss, high hardness |
| Light Caps & Protectors | Renault, VW | Thermal resistance and rigidity |
| Sensor Brackets / Housings | BMW, Peugeot | Dimensionally stable and easy to weld |
| Eco-Prototype Parts | ReplastMD internal | Sustainable demonstration material |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temp | Observations |
| Hot Air | 170 – 190 °C | Easy to weld, controlled melt, no carbonization |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | ✅ Ideal | Clean surface, uniform bonding |
| Welding Rod | ✅ Recommended | Use matching PHA+PHB or pure PHA rod |
| Ultrasonic | ⚠️ Limited | Only for thin parts, risk of pressure cracking |
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: Weld at ~180 °C using a PHA+PHB or compatible PHA rod. This material offers high rigidity and excellent thermal stability, making it ideal for technical parts and sustainable industrial applications.