Comparison
PLA Eco Grade A vs PLA
A side-by-side comparison of Polylactic Acid, Eco Grade A and Polylactic Acid.
Physical
Density
1.24 g/cm³
1.24 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.3 %
0.5 %
Transparency
High
Semi-transparent
Shrinkage
2.0 - 5.0 %
0.3 – 0.5 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
3.5 GPa
3.5 GPa
Tensile Strength
55 MPa
50 – 65 MPa
Elongation at Break
3.0 %
6 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
0.2 J/cm
16 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
80 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
55-60 °C
60 °C
Melting Point
150-170 °C
150 – 160 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
50 °C
45 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
50 °C
55 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
3.2
3.0
Volume Resistivity
10¹² Ω·cm
10¹⁴ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
20 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Poor resistance
Fair
Bases
Poor resistance
Poor
Solvents
Resistant to oils and greases, but swells in chlorinated hydrocarbons
—
UV Resistance
Poor
Poor
Alcohols
—
Fair
Hydrolysis
—
Poor
Sustainability
Recyclability
Compostable (industrial)
Industrially compostable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Lower than fossil-based plastics
~1.6 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
100 %