Metabolix, Inc. - Bioplastics - PHA Structure and Properties

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Bioplastics: Mirel Structure and Properties: Page 4 of 6

• Molecular Weight • Thermal Properties • Mechanical Properties • Surface Energy • Gas Barrier Properties • Biodegradability • Stability to hydrolysis • UV Stability

5. Gas Barrier Properties
Metabolix bioplastics have far lower moisture vapor transmission rates than other naturally based or synthetic biodegradable polymers. The oxygen transmission rates for unoriented Mirel films are 25-30 cc-mil/(100 in²-day) at 77°C, 0% relative humidity.

Polymer	WVTR g/m2/day @ 23C/90% relative humidity 50 micron film
Metabolix Mirels (depending on morphology)	20-150
Annealed polylactic acid (crystalline)	3400
Polycaprolactone	3600
Ecoflex™ (BASF)	3400-3600
Bionolle™ (Showa Denka)	6600
Cellulose Acetate	58400
Cellulose Propionate	34000
Biaxially orientated polypropylene	3-5
Biaxially orientated polyethylene terephthalate	10-15
Nylon 6	15

• Molecular Weight • Thermal Properties • Mechanical Properties • Surface Energy • Gas Barrier Properties • Biodegradability • Stability to hydrolysis • UV Stability

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