🧩 TPS – Thermoplastic Starch
(100% natural biodegradable material obtained by plasticizing plant starch. TPS is the base for many commercial biopolymers like Mater-Bi® and Bioplast®, offering flexibility, ease of processing, and full compostability.)
🔹 What is TPS
TPS (ThermoPlastic Starch) is a natural biopolymer. At ReplastMD, we treat it as a “botanical wax.” Through heating with plasticizers, starch granules lose their crystalline structure, becoming a malleable, rubbery material. It is frequently used as a blending base for other biopolymers (PLA, PBS, PBAT) to enhance their eco-profile. It is valued in the automotive industry for interior parts requiring a natural scent and soft touch.
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Base: Modified vegetable starch (corn, potato, cassava).
- Density: 1.20 – 1.30 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: 100 – 130 °C.
- Operating Range: –10 °C to +60 °C.
- Chemical Resistance: Poor (sensitive to water and solvents).
- UV Resistance: Low.
🚗 Where TPS is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Bio Interior Trim | Inserts, caps, gaskets | Lightweight and flexible |
| Decorative Components | Eco-parts, prototypes | Compostable, natural scent |
| Bio Films & Layers | Protectors, technical packaging | Soft, transparent material |
| Eco Prototypes | Bio-testing parts | Sustainable alternative to PP |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temp | Observations |
| Hot Air | ⚠️ 100 – 120 °C | Melts quickly, high risk of browning/burning |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | ⚠️ 110 – 120 °C | Only possible for homogeneous materials |
| Manual Extrusion | ❌ Not recommended | Thermal degradation occurs easily |
| Chemical Bonding | ✅ Recommended | Bio-compatible or polyester adhesives |
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: TPS is not suitable for hot-air welding; it tends to burn and turn brown. We recommend bio-compatible bonding or discreet mechanical fastening to preserve the natural texture of the component.