MATERIALS | ENGINEERING PLASTICS
Glycol resistance of Solvay’s Technyl Blue and a regular PA66 (50:50 ethylene glycol: water at 130°C)
Right: BASF’s Ultramid Vision semi-crystalline PA6 has high light transmis- sion and low light scattering
greater versatility in processing. The company said the new compounds exhibit higher tensile strength and better flow properties compared with standard glass-filled polyamide counterparts, greater dimensional stability, lower water absorption, improved chemical resistance, and enhanced surface aesthetics. The compounds differ chemically from standard polyamides and were originally developed in Germany by PTS, a custom compounder acquired by Teknor Apex in 2016. They are already being used in Europe for automotive air vents, spoilers, fan blades, spring adapters, and key fobs. When compared with a standard 43% glass- filled polyamide, a 40% glass-filled Creamid compound shows a 68% improvement in spiral flow tests, reaches a 41% lower peak injection pressure, and requires 43% less clamp force. Flexural modulus is as high as 21 GPa, tensile strength is up to 260 MPa – a property more commonly expected from die-cast aluminium or zinc, Teknor Apex said. Brian Rickard, director of strategy and business development for the ETP Division of Teknor Apex, said the introduction of the products is the first commercial initiative by Teknor Apex “in what will be an extensive expansion of our portfolio of engineering thermoplastic compounds, drawing on the diverse range of unique ETP technologies developed by PTS.” During Fakuma, Domo Nylon & Intermediates launched PA6 grades aimed at various segments. They included Domamid H22, an ultra-low viscosity polyamide suited for high filled compounds and long glass fibre filled compounds. Evonik has developed a new high-performance plastic for demanding applications in professional sports. Vestamid CW1401 is an impact modified PA
40 INJECTION WORLD | November/December 2017
12 which combines good elasticity and stability at temperatures as low as -40°C. The new compound is said to have excellent low-temperature impact strength which, at 101 kJ/ m², is twice as strong as other materials. This means that it can be used in applications where extreme pressure is applied and where stable properties are required from the materials at low temperatures. Evonik sees applications in products like new ski and snowboard boots of the Austrian professional brand UPZ. “In downhill ski races and especially in snowboard races, the pressure applied to the boot is several times greater than is the case with the average amateur skier or boarder,” said Wolfgang Aigner, managing director of AITEC GmbH. “The material used in the boot must be capable of permanently withstanding extreme loads.”
Optical opportunities BASF was particularly active at Fakuma, unveiling no fewer than three rather innovative materials: Deep Gloss (see Automotive feature in this issue), Ultramid Vision, and Ultradur Barrier. Ultramid Vision is a PA6 whose crystallisation behaviour has been modified with a special additive to reduce light scatter and allow light to pass through largely unhindered. Optical proper- ties remain, even if parts are tempered and also after absorption of water. A diffusing additive can be used in the material to create more haze without affecting light transmission, for use in such prod- ucts as diffusers in front of LED lights. The material can be coloured, but using dyes rather than standard pigments normally used for polyamides. BASF said Ultramid Vision is the world’s first semi-crystalline polyamide for semi-transparent or transparent components in chemically challenging environments. The product is also resistant to UV radiation and high temperatures, scratch-proof, and
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