RTP's concentrates have higher loadings
RTP Co. has boosted its long-fiber-glass loadings in concentrates to 80 percent.
The Winona, Minn., company claims high loading levels mean a smaller amount of concentrate during blending, leading to cost reductions for the processor. The firm's LF Concentrate products allow blending of materials with varying melt flow. Adjusting the final glass loading at the machine gives processors more freedom to customize blends to meet specific property targets.
Tel. (507) 454-6900, fax (507) 454-2041, e-mail [email protected].
Composites feature high-tenacity fibers
Kubota Research Associates Inc. and DuPont-Toray Co. Ltd. have developed prepreg thermoplastic composites based on high-tenacity long fibers such as DuPont's Kevlar.
Ruba-C composites based on Kevlar, polypropylene and polyvinyl butyral are available in limited quantities in the fourth quarter of 2005. Kevlar-reinforced thermoplastic polyimide and other high-performance resins will be introduced in 2006, said Kubota from the firm's Hockessin, Del., office.
Extremely high tenacity, shatter resistance, light weight and high productivity are key advantages Kubota claims for the new composites. DuPont-Toray and Kubota are promoting early potential uses of the prepregs in automotive parts and sports equipment. The new materials are made using Kubota's P-Wave manufacturing process based on near-infrared radiation.
Tel. (817) 847-5006, fax (866) 459-3446, e-mail [email protected].
New masterbatches slow color buildup
Ampacet Corp. has introduced color masterbatches that retard color buildup in plastic extrusion and molding equipment.
The Tarrytown, N.Y., firm said its SmartColor masterbatches shorten the purge time by as much as 60 percent when switching colors.
The compounds also cut the amount of resin needed in purging by as much as 50 percent, which leads to less scrap generation, Ampacet said.
SmartColor resulted from Ampacet's three-year study of raw materials that cause low pigment deposition.
Tel. (513) 247-5412, fax (513) 247-5415, e-mail [email protected].
Ciba light stabilizer helps prolong PVC
Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp. claims its new light stabilizer often can double the lifetime of flexible PVC compared with standard additives.
The Tarrytown, N.Y., company claims its Tinuvin XT833 imparts exceptional weatherability to flexible vinyl and alloys.
The additive gives better property retention than conventional products used in exterior PVC applications such as roofing membranes, awnings, signs, flooring and pool liners, according to Ciba Specialty.
Tinuvin XT833 maintains initial appearance, tensile and elongation properties and physical integrity, even in acidic environments.
Tel. (914) 785-4415, fax (914) 785-4241, e-mail [email protected].
Low-gloss vinyl TPEs produce matte finish
Teknor Apex Co. has developed low-gloss grades of vinyl-based thermoplastic elastomers.
Flexalloy 9750 compounds exhibit a rubberlike matte finish demanded in some applications, such as various consumer products and furniture trim.
The surface also prevents products such as bin liners and weatherstripping from sticking to each other.
The Pawtucket, R.I.-based company claims the vinyl TPEs provide equal or better performance properties compared with standard TPEs.
They also retain traditional advantages of vinyl, such as high resistance to oils and fats and broad formulation possibilities, the company said.
Flexalloy 9750 compounds are available in Shore A hardnesses of 35-80.
Tel. (401) 725-8000, fax (401) 729-0166, e-mail [email protected].
Latest Topas COCs are less expensive
Ticona has introduced a more cost-effective grade of Topas cyclic olefin copolymers for packaging applications.
Topas 8007F-100 provides a broad processing window and is designed as a blending component in polyethylene-based films. It can be thermoformed and adds stiffness, controlled tear, and improved sealing, according to the Florence, Ky., company.
Ticona said most properties of the new resin are similar to those of other Topas grades but at lower cost. Although its optical characteristics fall short of the best Topas properties, they are good enough in many applications in blends with polyolefins, Ticona said. At levels of 10-20 percent, Topas 8007F-100 boosts properties in targeted uses such as pouches, forming webs and coated paper.
Tel. (800) 833-4882, fax (859) 372-3222, e-mail [email protected].