DSM (HQ: PO Box 6500, NL-6401 JH Heerlen) is to expand its polyolefin range to include "Stamytec", a product with very high crystallinity which will be produced in the company's existing plants using improved technology. Stamytec combines high temperature resistance with good aesthetic properties (surface quality and scratch resistance) and is roughly 15% lighter than plastics used so far for the same applications. It was developed at DSM Research using Chisso technology. The modifications required for the product to be supplied on a commercial basis will be completed in mid-1996 and will require an investment of several million guilders.

Stamytec's high degree of crystallinity gives it high rigidity, especially at elevated temperatures, and good resistance to creep. At high temperatures its performance matches that of 10-25% mineral-filled polypropylene. Its low density means that Stamytec offers weight reductions of roughly 15% per unit compared with polymers based on styrene or mineral-filled polypropylene.

Stamytec's high scratch resistance and its light weight give it considerable advantages compared with filled polypropylene for interior car parts. Moreover, in view of the product's properties DSM expects Stamytec to offer possibilities for new product concepts in, for example, thin-walled packaging and electric and electronic equipment. Stamytec can be used, for example, to produce transparent packaging which has to be able to withstand high temperatures, such as microwavable packaging.

Stamytec is produced by DSM's new Business Group Polypropylene & ASP. This business group was formed from the merger of the Polypropylene & Specialty Compounds business unit and the ASP unit (ABS, SMA and polycarbonate). The business group has an annual production capacity of 280.000 t of polypropylene, 55,000 t of ABS and 20,000 t of SMA.