The 60:40 PPS compounding joint venture between DSM Engineering Plastics (Sittard / The Netherlands; www.dsm.com) and Zhejiang NHU Special Materials (Xinchang, Zhejiang / China; www.nhumaterials.com) was officially inaugurated on 22 August. Located in Zhejiang province, near NHU’s linear PPS polymer plant, DSM NHU Engineering Plastics (Zhejiang) will sell its output of “Xytron” polyphenylene sulfide globally.

DSM had originally intended to build the PPS jv with China Lumena New Materials, but, after the plans with the latter fell through, in May last year entered into a collaboration with NHU (see Plasteurope.com of 27.05.2015). NHU has bestowed the jv with its 6,000 t/y in PPS compounding capacity, while DSM contributes not only its expertise in development and materials science, but also access to its global customer network. The Dutch group will be marketing the jv's output globally, including in China.

DSM NHU Engineering Plastics (Zhejiang) is initially offering two standard commercial grades. “Xytron G4010t” contains 40% glass fibre reinforcement, while “Xytron M6510A” contains 65% glass fibre and mineral filler. Two other grades recently introduced – one that is 30% glass reinforced, as well as a 40% glass reinforced low chlorine grade – are currently being evaluated by customers. And new materials are already in the pipeline, including those offering enhanced wear resistance and low friction, with high flow and low flash, and with increased impact strength.