Shrink Labels and Film

Since biaxially oriented PLA film is brittle, plasticizer may be added to impart flexibility while maintaining transparency and shrinkage properties. However, the addition of plasticizers can result in excessive shrinkage at room temperature due to the lowering of the Tg. Blending with other flexible resins may also reduce the film transparency 

FIGURE 28.7 Shrinkage curve of improved PLA film by polymer blend. 

TABLE 28.7 Properties of Biaxially Oriented PLA Blend Film 

Unoriented PLA sheet is excellent for thermoforming shallow and deep drawn containers. Because the heat deflection temperature of PLA sheet is about 10-15 0 lower than that of amorphous PET, it cannot be used for microwave containers. 

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