Bio-based polymer with superior impact resistance developed

Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Laboratories, in collaboration with Toray Industries, has announced the development of a bio-based polymer that retains the heat resistance and moldability of their previously developed bio-based polymer, while improving impact resistance by 50%.

The company has succeeded in developing a prototype mobile phone chassis using the new bio-based polymer.

In recent years, increases in carbon dioxide emissions caused by the use of fossil fuels, such as petroleum and coal, have resulted in a rapid advance in global warming.

As a result, there is a call for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. This has raised interest in the use of bio-based polymers which have a lower environmental burden, as an alternative to conventional plastics made from petroleum, a limited natural resource.

The bio-based polymer was developed by further refining the microstructure and improving the compatibility (the ease with which materials mix) of polylactic acid, made from materials including corn, with polymer alloyed-polycarbonate, which has a high glass transition temperature.

The bio-based polymer features the same heat resistance, and molding properties of bio-based polymer previously developed by the companies, and with a 50% improvement in impact resistance the plastic can now be applied to various mobile devices.

In addition, Fujitsu succeeded in making a prototype mobile phone chassis composed entirely of the new bio-based polymer. The company plans to use the plastic in future mobile phone models to reduce the use of petroleum and help alleviate environmental burden.

Fujitsu aims to introduce mobile phones that use bio-based polymer to the market by 2007.

For more information, please visit Fujitsu