MATERIALS
New polymers rise to technical and legislative challenges
The latest developments in polymer technology are aimed at meeting requirements for better blow moulding, polyethylene nucleation and lightweight but strong under- the-bonnet applications. Eugene McCarthy reports.
Les tous derniers développement dans la technologie des polymères visent à satisfaire les exigences légales et améliorer le soufflage, la nucléation du polyéthylène et les applications internes légères qui demandant aussi de la solidité. Eugene McCarthy rapporte.
Die jüngsten Entwicklungen in der Polymertechnik sind darauf ausgerichtet, Verbesserungen im Bereich des Spritzgusses, der Polyethylen-Kernbildung und im Motorraum durch leichte und zugleich belastbare Materialien zu erzielen. Ein Bericht von Eugene McCarthy.
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abic has announced that its high- performance HDPE ICP 5602 material for industrial containers is now commercially available. The breakthrough high-density polyethylene (HDPE) – developed collaboratively with Mauser, a leading producer of industrial packaging - is designed for blow moulding of tight head drums with a capacity of 25 to 220 litres. HDPE ICP 5602 resin combines very high
impact and rigidity with excellent processing performance and optimal resistance to stress cracks and chemicals. Most significantly, this material delivers improved melt flow for higher productivity and reduced energy usage, and its granular form – a departure from traditional powders – prevents waste, increases machine efficiency and permits safer product handling. The resin is designed to be used for the
production of UN-approved containers – subject to government approvals and registrations. The company says that it is therefore ideal for storage and transport of high-value or hazardous liquids. In addition the material is approved for food contact applications. By utilising the new resin grade for
industrial containers, Mauser has been able to increase efficiency in the production of high level performing tight head drums. Furthermore the granulate form of the material is an advantage in regard to material handling and cleanness in the factories. “Our industry-leading R&D capabilities
enabled Sabic to create a completely new product line in just 18 months. By enhancing
Fig. 1. Ultem foam is 10-20 times lighter than traditional plastic components used in aircraft.
performance and processability and even developing a more useful granular form, we met Mauser’s needs for true innovation. This collaboration is now benefiting the entire industrial container industry,” said Mario Scholle, business manager HDPE – Sabic region Europe. In a separate development, Sabic
Innovative Plastics has won an award in Aviation Week’s first annual suppliers’ innovation challenge competition, recognising new and recent technology developments by tiered suppliers in the aerospace and defence industry. The company’s lightweight, rigid
Ultem polyetherimide (PEI) foam, used as the structural core in multi-layer systems for aviation interior components, won the composites category. According to Sabic, this achievement illustrates its strong focus on partnering with aviation industry OEMs to help them succeed by meeting tough safety, regulatory, sustainability and economic requirements. Ultem foam enables aircraft designers
to leverage the best-in-class flame, smoke, toxicity (FST) performance of Ultem resin in a form that is 10-20 times lighter than traditional plastic components. It is an ideal thermoformable core material for composite structures such as luggage bins, galleys and lower wall panels, says the company (Fig. 1). DSM has entered into a strategic
cooperation with Russian company KuibyshevAzot (KA) relating to the marketing and sales of engineering plastics in Russia and other members of the Commonwealth
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ECE
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