Corn Cobs into Mobile Phones


Fujitsu says that it has developed a new bio-based polymer which has been used in developing a prototype mobile phone chassis made from corn starch.
In collaboration with Toray Industries, Fujitsu developed the bio-based polymer that features high impact resistance, by further refining the microstructure and improving the compatibility (the ease with which materials mix) of polylactic acid, which is made from materials including corn, with polymer alloyed-polycarbonate.

The company plans to use the new plastic in future mobile phone models to reduce the use of petroleum and help alleviate environmental burden.

Fujitsu introduced the use of bio-based polymers as early as 1996 in conveyer trays for LSI devices, and since then has applied it in a variety of products. Building on this track record, Fujitsu aims to introduce mobile phones that use bio-based polymer to the market by 2007, while at the same time promoting applications to a variety of other electronic equipment.

In recent years, increases in carbon dioxide emissions caused by the use of fossil fuels, such as petroleum and coal, have resulted in a rapid advance in global warming. Hence, there is an urgent call for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. This condition has raised interest in the use of bio-based polymers which have a lower environmental burden, as an alternative to conventional plastics made from petroleum, a limited natural resource.

Polylactic acid is a bio-based polymer made using lactic acid derived from the fermentation of starches and saccharide such as corn and potatoes.