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NEC develops biodegradable plastic for PCs

TOKYO - NEC Corp has developed a type of biodegradable plastic that is suitable for the cases of personal computers (PCs).

The plastic is made from lactic acid derived from corn and other natural sources, with fibers of the kenaf plant mixed in to increase both the strength and the heat resistance. The new material can withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius before it begins to deform, which is 80 percent higher than normal poly-lactic-acid biodegradable plastic. The material is also 70 percent stronger in terms of its ability to withstand bending forces.

NEC aims to use this new biodegradable plastic in its products in two years and in 10 percent of its PC cases by around 2010. The company has already secured a source of kenaf fibers from Australia and is now working to lower the manufacturing cost of the plastic.

(Asia Pulse/Nikkei)

Jul 10, 2003

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