ETPs | materials
subjected to higher heat loads. Several other polyamide suppliers, as well as independent compounders, have also introduced what are commonly refered to as “electrically neutral” grades in recent months, to combat these corrosion issues. DuPont, for example, has expanded the Electrically Friendly (EF) product line in its Zytel portfolio with the introduction of PA 66 15%, 25% and 30% glass rein- forced and with PA6 30% glass reinforced grades. “What further differentiates these new EF grades from standard grades are their higher electrical properties, which allow for the miniaturisation of electric parts,” DuPont claims. Among compounders, Akro-Plastic has also taken a
prominent position in development of electrically neutral compounds. It points out that in addition to copper-halogen compounds, metal soaps are also frequently used as stabilisers in electronics. “These compounds can decompose into ions, which are then conveyed to the respective poles in the electrical field, where corresponding deposits can be observed,” it says. The company specifies a bromine and iodine content of less than 1 ppm on every acceptance test certificate of its “EN” product range.
Supply sector consolidating On the commercial side, recent months have seen an uptick in rationalisation upstream. At the beginning of October, AdvanSix, which produces Aegis PA6 and also caprolactam, became an independent company following its spin-off from Honeywell. The business was previously part of AlliedSignal, which changed its name in 1999 when it acquired Honeywell. The move was too late for AdvanSix to exhibit at K 2016, and no more details were available at the time of writing on the direction the new company will be taking. Meanwhile, Invista, which only a few years ago
extended its PA66 portfolio from fibres into engineering plastics, recently sold its Engineering Polymer Solutions
Star chart showing the performance of Durethan BKV 30 XF “Extreme Flow” against alternative grades Source: Lanxess
unit to Radici Group. The deal covers Torzen-brand PA66 glass-reinforced, mineral-filled, toughened and flame retardant polymer grades. The basic polymer feedstock, as well as lubricated, and high viscosity polymer products, will remain with Invista, which has just started up a world-scale PA66 polymer plant in Shanghai. Invista entered the polyamide plastics market in
2009 after the expiration of a non-compete agreement with DuPont. Its parent company, Koch, bought DuPont’s fibres business in 2004. Speaking at K2016, Radici Group Marketing and
Sustainability Corporate Director Filippo Servalli said the company would continue to use the Torzen brand for at least the next two years. He said production of the Torzen PA66 materials continues at the former Invista plant at Born in the Netherlands. North American production is to be transferred from Invista’s Chatta- nooga facility in Tennessee, which was already set to close, to Radici plants in Ohio and Mexico. With the SABIC Innovative Plastics business dissolved,
the SABIC group’s various plastics businesses have been divided between Specialties (most ETPs including polycarbonate copolymers) and Petrochemicals (polyole- fins and also standard polycarbonate). Executives at the company indicate that the Specialties Strategic Business Unit is evaluating options for future growth. In ETPs, SABIC is strong in amorphous polymers but
less so in semi-crystalline types and it could be specu- lated that the company might make a move into polyam- ides. SABIC management is making no direct comment on that but Elly Burghout, Senior Director for Technology and Innovation does highlight the growing importance of thermoplastic composite parts made by over-moulding continuous fibre reinforced tapes and sheets. These are
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Left: Numerous suppliers, including Akro-Plastic, are developing PA compounds with new stabilisation packages that avoid corrosion in electronic components
April 2017 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 77
PHOTO: AKRO-PLASTIC
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