Comparison
Lignin Filler vs PLA
A side-by-side comparison of Lignin, Filler Grade S and Polylactic Acid.
Physical
Density
1.2-1.4 g/cm³
1.24 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
2.0-5.0 %
0.5 %
Transparency
Opaque
Semi-transparent
Shrinkage
Varies with matrix
0.3 – 0.5 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
Highly variable (depends on source and processing)
3.5 GPa
Tensile Strength
Highly variable
50 – 65 MPa
Elongation at Break
Highly variable
6 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
Highly variable
16 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
80 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
100-150 °C
60 °C
Melting Point
None (degrades)
150 – 160 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
70 °C
45 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
Varies with matrix
55 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
3.5-4.5
3.0
Volume Resistivity
10⁹-10¹² Ω·cm
10¹⁴ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
10-20 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Moderate resistance
Fair
Bases
Poor resistance
Poor
Solvents
Soluble in some organic solvents like DMSO, dioxin
—
UV Resistance
Good (inherent)
Poor
Alcohols
—
Fair
Hydrolysis
—
Poor
Sustainability
Recyclability
Biodegradable (if not compounded with non-biodegradable matrix)
Industrially compostable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Negative to very low (utilizes byproduct)
~1.6 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
100 %