Brazilian resins major Braskem (São Paulo; www.braskem.com.br) has introduced new PE grades developed for automotive fuel storage systems. The resins include "HS4506A", which has been developed for the production of fuel tanks, filler tubes and cold-start reservoirs.

Braskem said that HS4506A contains additives that provide improved resistance to UV radiation and weather conditions. The resin can also be used to make fuel tanks for trucks and for the aftermarket auto parts segment. One of its features is its homogeneous appearance, which makes it suitable for exposed tanks, such as on trucks. The resin is additionally recommended for the production of fluorinated and co-extruded tanks.

The resins are claimed to offer improved processability, increased chemical and corrosion resistance, lighter weight, greater durability, better compatibility with other resins and low thermal conduction. Claudia Arruda, commercial director at Braskem, said: “The use of polyethylene to make fuel tanks combines increased safety, lower weight and greater design freedom in relation to metal, which allows for designs that make better use of the room available in vehicles for installing the fuel tanks. Today, 67% of vehicle tanks in Brazil are made from polyethylene.”

HS4506, an HDPE developed for the manufacture of blow moulded fuel tanks, was launched at “Brasilplast 2011” – see Plasteurope.com of 17.05.2011.