NATPET
Enhanced PP offers better quality and less wastage / Further R&D projects expected with Milliken
Saudi Arabian PP producer National Petrochemical Industrial Company (Natpet, Jeddah; www.natpet.com) has upgraded its “Teldene” B20ML impact copolymer grade of PP. The producer has replaced the sodium benzoate (NaBz) nucleating agent with the additive “Hyperform” HPN-20E from Milliken (Spartanburg, South Carolina / USA; www.millikenchemical.com).
The switch means “Teldene” B20ML now has better stiffness/impact balance in both machine direction and transverse direction. It also offers better shrinkage control, which reduces waste, and better dispersion, leading to more consistent quality. Improved thermal properties provide downgauging opportunities too, raising converters' profits.
Natpet said the enhanced features make the PP grade most suitable for applications such as large pails and automotive compounding, as well as in food and non-food packaging. Neaz Ahmed, Natpet’s assistant manager product application, said the grade has great potential to add value in new application segments. “Customer feedback confirms better quality of finished products and less wastage during production of large pails,” he noted.
In addition to enhancing the polymer’s properties, the volumes of “Hyperform” HPN-20E required are four times less than those of NaBz, thus reducing storage space and logistics costs at Natpet’s production plant.
This latest project is just one of several potential R&D assignments between the two companies focusing on grade improvement, property enhancement and regulatory compliance.
The switch means “Teldene” B20ML now has better stiffness/impact balance in both machine direction and transverse direction. It also offers better shrinkage control, which reduces waste, and better dispersion, leading to more consistent quality. Improved thermal properties provide downgauging opportunities too, raising converters' profits.
Natpet said the enhanced features make the PP grade most suitable for applications such as large pails and automotive compounding, as well as in food and non-food packaging. Neaz Ahmed, Natpet’s assistant manager product application, said the grade has great potential to add value in new application segments. “Customer feedback confirms better quality of finished products and less wastage during production of large pails,” he noted.
In addition to enhancing the polymer’s properties, the volumes of “Hyperform” HPN-20E required are four times less than those of NaBz, thus reducing storage space and logistics costs at Natpet’s production plant.
This latest project is just one of several potential R&D assignments between the two companies focusing on grade improvement, property enhancement and regulatory compliance.
23.12.2015 Plasteurope.com [232973-0]
Published on 23.12.2015