Bio-based engineering plastic “Durabio”, developed and produced by Japan’s Mitsubishi Chemical (MCC, Tokyo; www.m-kagaku.co.jp), has been specified by Sharp (Osaka / Japan; www.sharp-world.com) for the front panel of its new smartphone, the “Aquos Crystal 2”. MCC claims the selection marks a first application of a bio-based engineering plastic on the front panel of a smartphone.

Most front panels of smartphones are made of glass, with its inherent potential to crack. Polycarbonate and other plastics, while offering light weight, also proved prone to cracking, MCC said. “Durabio” is made from plant-derived isosorbide, which offers higher resistance to impact, heat and weather than conventional engineering plastics. In addition, it has high transparency and low optical distortion, the company claims.