The Plastics Group of America — a materials firm based in Woonsocket, R.I. — has added water-safe polypropylene compounds to its lineup.
The new materials — sold under TPG's Polifil trade name — are based on homopolymer PP and are reinforced with chemically-coupled glass fibers. They also have NSF/ANSI certifications from NSF International and the American National Standards Institute.
These PP compounds have been expanded to include a wider range of glass, and now are available in white, black and natural shades, TPG officials said in a recent news release. “Expanding our offerings…naturally increases our appeal to manufacturers,” Mike Rosenthal, executive vice-president, said in the release.
Potential markets for the new materials include appliances, electrical components and auto parts. They offer improved elevated temperature performance, higher impact strength and other benefits, officials said.
TPG was founded in 1973 by Bob Lebeaux, who still serves as the firm's president. TPG now employs 50 and operates three compounding extrusion lines. The firm also resells resin, regrinds and brokers plastic scrap.