Polyolefins Rock at K 2016

Loads of new engineering resins and compounds are being showcased at K 2016, but new and improved polyolefins and polyolefin elastomers also shined in Dusseldorf.

 

Here are some key takeaways from interviews with Dow, Braskem, and ExxonMobil.

 

• Dow

Agility EZ 7000 is a new extrusion coating LDPE for tubular processing that reportedly boasts highest melt strength available among currently available materials.

 

Engage XLT is the latest metallocene elastomer designed for use as an impact modifier. It is specifically targeted to automotive TPO exterior and interior applications. Commercial launches include TPO bumpers and airbag covers.

 

 

• Braskem

A new high-gloss HDPE for injection stretch blow molding boasts 80% higher gloss than competitive grades without sacrificing properties. Excellent scratch resistance is claimed for this HDPE, which can be molded as the outer layer of very small to 5-liter HDPE bottles.

 

Flexus Cling is Braskem’s first cast cling film grade, which now completes its LLDPE portfolio.

 

High-melt strength polypropylene is now available from Braskem, produced in the U.S. and Brazil. This HMS-PP for foamed PP articles boasts excellent chemical and temperature resistance with achievable low densities that approach PUR foams used in automotive. By year's end, it will be used in a commercial door liner application, while a headliner application, where the material replaces a phenolic resin, will emerge next year.

 

• ExxonMobil Chemical

The Exceed XP family of mLLDPE film resin portfolio launched in April with four grades has been expanded with two new additions: one is targeted for soft shrink film and boasts an excellent balance of high compression force and shrink in all directions. The other is for agricultural film where excellent melt strength plus mechanical properties are required. Its properties allow its use without the need to blend with LDPE.