At the NPE2006 exhibition, two suppliers launched four new polyolefin grades for injection molded frozen food packaging. Basell claims that the company is the first North American PP producer to offer frozen grades, opening new applications for access to pots, pans and cups from 4oz to 1.75qt. Previously available PP products can only withstand refrigerated temperatures that do not easily break or break due to impact. According to reports, the two new grades also withstand microwave temperatures and can be safely used in dishwashers.
One is Pro-fax EP390S, a high-impact copolymer for opaque thin-wall injection molded products with a MFR of 35 and a dart drop strength of >4.5 ft-lb at 23°C, at 23°C. The notched Izod impact strength was 3.6 ft-lb/in at °C and the heat distortion temperature (HDT) was 185F at 66 psi.
Another grade, the Clyrell EC140R, is a nucleated heterophasic impact copolymer that uses the Catalloy process for transparent thin-wall injection molding. It is a resin with an MFR of 30, which is known for its very high impact strength and good resistance to stress whitening at ambient and sub-zero temperatures. "Crack-free" was shown in Charpy's unnotched impact test at 23°C and 0°C. At a temperature of 20°C, Charpy had a VI impact strength of 155 kJ/m2 and a notched impact strength of 4 kJ/m2.
At the same time, Nova Chemicals introduced two LLDPE injection molding resins for packaging ice cream and other frozen foods. Surpass IFs542-R for pots, and IFs730-R for caps. They are made by the AdvancedSclairtech process using a proprietary single-site catalyst that is said to produce resins that are processed at lower temperatures and shorter cycle times. IFs542-R had a density of 0.942 g/cm3, an MI of 60, a tensile mid-yield strength of 3176 psi, a tensile elongation at yield of 10%, and a flexural modulus of 135,465 psi. The IFs730-R has a density of 0.930 g/cm3, an MI of 85, a tensile yield strength of 2205 psi, a tensile elongation at yield of 12%, and a flexural modulus of 76,290 psi.
Basell introduced two new grades of Metocene mPP homopolymers for injection molding that are nucleated and have a very narrow relative molecular mass distribution. They are said to provide low warpage, high transparency, good rigidity, and high flow properties (obtained in reactors without "visbreaking"). The HM640T is a high flow (MFR 60) resin suitable for thin wall food containers or CD/DVD cases. It has a tensile strength of 5200 psi (36 MPa), a flexural modulus of 220,000 psi (1515 MPa), and a lack of 151 Izod impact strength of 0.5 ft-lb/in. (27J/m), haze value is 7%.
HM1753 is a highly fluid (140MFR) resin containing an antistatic agent. Its goal is thin-walled food containers, multimedia packaging and home appliances. It has a tensile yield strength of 5800 psi (40 MPa), a flexural modulus of 275,500 psi (1900 MPa), a notched Izod impact strength of 2.3 KJ/m2, and a haze of 10%.
The basell MetoceneXl1291-55-1 for cast film is a homopolymer with a MFR of 9.5, which can be used for packaging materials, candy twist packaging, photo albums, laminated structures and fibers. Due to its combination of a very narrow MWD and a low melting point of 293F (145°C), it is known for its exceptionally good transparency and sealing properties. It is said to be a low-smoke, low-volatile clean production resin with no peroxide and low extractables content.
Dow Plastics introduced to North American users at NPE2006 a low melting MDPE for underfloor heating tubes that has been used in Europe for more than 10 years. Radiant floor heating is becoming more and more common, especially in the north. The estimated annual growth rate of the market is between 8% and 12%.
The new Dowlex 2344 is an octene copolymer with a controlled side chain distribution with a density of 0.933 g/cm and an MI of 0.7. It is said to provide excellent Es (and very good long-term hydrostatic strength at high temperatures without the need for cross-linking. It is the only non-cross-linked PE in the Plastic Pipe Society (PPI) list. Due to its flexure With a modulus of 79,000 psi, Dowlex 2344 has better flexural performance than cross-linked PE and is easier to install. Besides eliminating the need for cross-linking to provide faster processing times, it is also easier to recycle and priced competitively with cross-linked PE. The cost is at least 50% lower than copper tubes.
Reprinted from: Domestic and Foreign Petrochemicals Express