Calair to take piping outside of Australia
Sydney, Australia-based pipe manufacturer Calair Systems Ltd. plans to launch its halogen-free flame-retardant piping system in the United States, Canada and Europe.
John McNab, Calair managing director, said the polypropylene HFFR pipe is a lightweight, compressed-air-reticulation system specifically formulated for fire-safety applications.
``It's the first HFFR pressure pipe system I know of. Two other companies make an HFFR conduit; one is German manufacturer Dietzel GmbH, and that product is imported to Australia, but it is three times the price and only goes up to 50-millimeters diameter. We can manufacture ours up to 110mm diameter.''
When exposed to flame, HFFR produces an incandescent barrier that prevents ignition. ``There's a bright hot spot with no flame and no heat. Normal plastic pipe would go up in flame and [melt].''
McNab said the piping is suitable for use in schools, colleges, underground parking facilities, shopping centers and mines. HFFR pipe has been available in Australia since December.
Tel. 61-2-9651-4722, fax 61-2-9651-4687, e-mail [email protected]
Engelhard partners with SpecialChem
Engelhard Corp. has partnered with SpecialChem SA of Paris to offer online color matching using Engelhard pigments on SpecialChem's online service.
Engelhard's Rightfit and Synergy pigments are added to SpecialChem's Universal Colorant Database to provide color-matching and color-feasibility checks for plastics and other industries. The service will provide matches for Engelhard's pigments in polypropylene and high density polyethylene and also will allow customers to interact with Engelhard to solve color issues.
Other colorant suppliers and color-measuring firms also have joined Matchmycolor.com.
Tel. 33-172-76-3916, fax 33-172-76-3901, e-mail [email protected]
Chem-Trend unveils purging compounds
Chem-Trend LP is debuting a range of purging compounds in North America through its Howell, Mich., office.
The Lusin products, proven in European applications, are aimed at reducing downtime and scrap in injection molding, extrusion and blow molding. The products contain no fillers or abrasives. Some are designed for cleaning polyolefins and engineering resins at temperatures under 600° F. Others can handle temperatures up to 770° F encountered with high-heat polymers. The products complement Chem-Trend's lineup in release agents and die lubricants.
Tel. 517-545-7820, fax 517-548-5370, e-mail [email protected]
Americhem touting special-effect colors
Americhem Europe Ltd.'s special effects helped Amcor PET Packaging and Coca-Cola GB come up with an eye-catching, pearlescent green soft drink bottle.
The Manchester, England, firm says the special effect allows brands to differentiate themselves while eliminating swirls and streaks typical of conventional technologies. Americhem Europe provides an additive that, in addition to providing special effects, ensures good processability at the PET preform and bottle-blowing stages. Metallic effects include golds and silvers.
Tel. 44-161-789-7832, fax 44-161-787-7832, e-mail [email protected]
EnHance improves nylon moldability
Sasol Wax Americas Inc. said its new process aid improves injection moldability of nylons and styrenic polymers.
EnHance EP reduces melt viscosity for faster charging and easier cavity fill, the Shelton, Conn., firm said. In many cases, especially for filled resins, easier flow helps injection molders reduce processing temperature. Improved thermal conductivity speeds heating and cooling times.
EnHance EP comprises customized hydrocarbons and ultra-fine inorganic conductivity enhancers. It typically is added at loadings of 1-3 percent.
Molders can achieve throughput increases of as much as 40 percent, the company claims. Earlier EnHance products have been used in extrusion lines to improve throughput and reduce power usage.
Tel. 203-925-4321, fax 203-925-3231, e-mail [email protected]