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MCG BioComposites, LLC
3425 Sycamore Ct. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 378-0077
Email Us
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please click on a question to see the answer.
It is dependent on the amount of biomass, or natural fiber, is added. A data sheet is supplied with the final compound.
This is dependent on the base resin used. Recycled content will usually result in black or dark brown. Using prime or wide-spec resin will result in lighter brown or light beige and what type of biomass (natural fiber) is used.
Yes, a color match will be conducted in accordance with the customer’s specifications. In some cases, the hue may be a little duller.
Yes, our material can be recycled as a #7 or Other.
Depending on the application, biomass can be added from 10% up to 50% by weight. Mechanical and physical property testing would be conducted to determine if there are any significant changes and would be provided in the data sheets, which is supplied with the new formulation. Customer requirements (application/s) will determine the amount of biomass or natural fiber will be added to the base resin. We suggest starting with a minimum of 20% biomass since the Federal Government will be proposing this as a standard.
It depends on a couple factors. One is tooling, and second is the desired outcome. With an existing application or product, tooling has been built and the time to market is increased because the time to have a new tool built is not factored in. Testing can begin immediately. We suggest starting with a 20% loading of biomass as this amount does not affect shrinkage in which it doesn’t affect ejecting of the part. With higher loading percentages in a new application/product, it would be best to design new tooling because there will much less shrinkage and will need to design the tool for successful part ejection.
Our compounder, MGP Ingredients, has a Berstorf 76mm Twin Screw Extruder capable of producing an average of 2,000 lbs/hour predicated on the material formulation. A large dryer that holds 14,000 lbs of material. QC testing includes moisture content, bulk density and melt flow for most materials. Plant is 23,000 SF with a separate laboratory which includes a pilot scale compounding line equipped with both strand and underwater pelletizers. Extruder is a Berstorf Twin Screw 34mm capable of 80 to 200 lbs/hour. Testing for tensile and impact strength (unnotched) in-house.
- Biocomposites will offer an option to your market in meeting the GREEN Initiatives.
- Reduction in cycle time has been realized, which reflects gains in part costs by the processor, which can be passed on to the customer and possible giving the processor a competitive edge.
- Reduction in processing temperatures as much as 20°-30°F. This can result in energy savings due to reduced operating costs.
- Increased ‘stiffness or rigidness’ equal to the addition of other fillers, i.e., talc. Also a GREEN Initiative component.
- Biomass can act as a natural ‘blowing agent’ which could possibly reduce or eliminate the additive used as a blowing agent. This could reduce material costs.
- Biomass can also act as a natural Ultra Violet (UV) inhibitor, possibly reducing the amount of current UV inhibitors, which could also provide a reduction in material costs.
Currently we do not have any formulations developed. If this is a requirement, we will provide the base resin and the biomass fiber data sheets. If more is required, then a new formulation will need to be developed, tested and certified with cost borne by the customer.
The formulation will be certified to be 0.10% - 0.30% moisture content.
An initial discussion on the part/application, what materials are being used or desired. Next, the data sheets/material specifications of your current resin, and the part design. Then we develop a proposal.
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