RAJNA compound range · basalt-fibre reinforced material
RAJNA-i4122 basalt-fibre reinforced PLA compound
A PLA-based injection moulding compound containing 20% chopped basalt fibre, developed for rigid technical housings and reinforced products with controllable amorphous or crystallised structure.
Key characteristics of RAJNA-i4122
RAJNA-i4122 is a fibre-reinforced PLA-based compound for injection moulding. The current public product description specifies a 20% chopped basalt-fibre content and positions the material for applications requiring improved rigidity and heat performance.
Important: the published example of a 120 °C mould and 90-second cycle relates to a 4 mm specimen. It must not be treated as a universal production recipe. Required mould temperature and cycle time depend on part thickness, geometry, mould design and target properties.
Why basalt fibre?
Chopped basalt fibre acts as a mineral reinforcement within the polymer matrix. Its contribution to stiffness, heat performance and dimensional behaviour depends on fibre length, fibre orientation, processing history and adhesion to the matrix.
Increased rigidity
The fibre reinforcement is intended to improve stiffness and make the material suitable for rigid technical housings and structural parts.
Modified heat performance
The basalt fibre and the crystallinity generated during moulding both influence heat-deflection behaviour and dimensional stability.
Mineral reinforcement
The manufacturer states that after composting, the basalt fibres remain as mineral particles of approximately 0.3–0.6 mm. This statement should be interpreted together with the applicable composting standard and full product documentation.
Two processing strategies
The mould-temperature strategy can be selected according to the required cycle time, crystallinity and finished-part heat performance. Cold moulding supports faster cooling and a more amorphous structure, while an elevated mould temperature can promote crystallisation.
Cold versus heated mould
- 18–38 °C mould: rapid cooling and more amorphous structure.
- Amorphous condition: stated HDT of approximately 54–57 °C.
- Typical non-crystallised application: reinforced technical enclosures below approximately 55 °C.
- 120 °C mould: published crystallisation example.
- Published example: 90-second cycle for a 4 mm specimen.
- Finished-part properties must be confirmed through production trials and testing.
Potential application areas
The current product description identifies reinforced plastic products and technical enclosures as typical applications. Additional use cases require validation against the actual load, temperature, geometry and processing conditions.
Technical housings
Rigid injection-moulded enclosures where reduced deformation and defined heat performance are required.
Reinforced structural components
Parts carrying mechanical loads, subject to tensile, flexural, impact and finished-product validation.
Custom bio-composite projects
Application-specific parts where a PLA-based matrix and mineral fibre reinforcement form part of the required material concept.
Processing and mould-design considerations
Fibre-reinforced systems require additional attention to abrasive wear, fibre orientation, shear history and anisotropic shrinkage. Exact processing parameters must be established from the latest TDS and representative production trials.
| Processing technology | Injection moulding on equipment suitable for fibre-reinforced compounds. |
|---|---|
| Fibre content | The current product description states 20% chopped basalt fibre. |
| Cold-mould strategy | The public product page states 18–38 °C for rapid cooling and a more amorphous structure. |
| Heated-mould example | A 120 °C mould and a 90-second cycle are stated for a 4 mm specimen. Part-specific optimisation remains necessary. |
| Drying | Drying temperature, time and target moisture content must be taken from the latest RAJNA-i4122 technical data sheet. |
| Plasticising unit | Abrasive mineral fibre may require wear-resistant screw, barrel, non-return valve, nozzle and gate components. |
| Runner and gate design | Gate location and size influence fibre orientation, weld lines, filling behaviour and mechanical anisotropy. |
| Shrinkage and warpage | Fibre orientation and crystallinity can create direction- dependent shrinkage, requiring dimensional checks and, where appropriate, mould-flow simulation. |
Publicly visible information does not provide complete drying data, tensile, flexural or impact values, or a universal crystallised HDT. These items must be confirmed from the latest TDS and test reports.
Recommended testing programme
Fibre orientation can make the properties of an injection-moulded part strongly direction-dependent. Standard specimens and the actual product should therefore both be evaluated.
Material verification
Confirm material grade, fibre content, moisture level, batch and approved processing condition.
Mechanical testing
Tensile, flexural and impact testing parallel and perpendicular to the main flow direction.
Thermal testing
DSC, HDT and finished-part heat exposure based on the achieved crystallinity and service temperature.
Dimensional and functional testing
Warpage, shrinkage, fastening points, snap features and actual service loading.
Environmental and end-of-life claims
The manufacturer describes RAJNA-i4122 as a biodegradable polymer compound and states that the basalt reinforcement remains as small mineral particles after composting. This does not by itself establish compostability of every finished product.
Applicable standard
Any biodegradability or compostability statement should identify the exact standard, test environment and certification scope.
Finished-part geometry
Wall thickness, crystallinity, fibre distribution and additional additives can influence disintegration and biodegradation.
Mineral residue
The public product description states a basalt-particle size of approximately 0.3–0.6 mm after composting. This manufacturer statement should be supported by current test documentation.
Frequently asked questions about RAJNA-i4122
Does RAJNA-i4122 contain reinforcing fibre?
Yes. The current public product description states that the grade contains 20% chopped basalt fibre.
What is the difference between cold and heated moulding?
Cold moulding promotes rapid cooling and a more amorphous structure. A heated mould can promote crystallisation but usually requires a longer cycle.
What heat performance is stated for the amorphous condition?
The current product description states approximately 54–57 °C heat deflection temperature after rapid cooling in an 18–38 °C mould.
Is the 120 °C mould and 90-second cycle universal?
No. That published example relates to a 4 mm specimen. Actual cycle time depends on geometry, wall thickness, mould design and target crystallinity.
Does the basalt fibre disappear during composting?
Basalt is a mineral reinforcement. The manufacturer states that after composting it remains as mineral particles of approximately 0.3–0.6 mm.
Do you need RAJNA-i4122 documentation or trial material?
Send Tibor Sipos the intended part drawing, wall thickness, mechanical load, service temperature, required heat performance and estimated annual volume. Based on this information, Friend Plastic can assess suitability and define the required moulding and validation programme.