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ExxonMobil Chemical, a pioneer in metallocene
catalyst system for Polyethylenes, proposes to set up a plant in
USA by mid 2004 for a new range of TP Elastomers. The chemical giant
plans to extend this catalyst system in solution polymerization
to develop Propylene-Ethylene speciality elastomers under the brand
name of Vistamaxx. Exxpol metallocene catalyst technology and a new solution polymerization
process, Vistamaxx thermoplastic elastomers can be used on their
own or as modifiers for other polyolefins.
Vistamaxx elastomers have a special semi-crystalline structure.
They can be tailored for specific applications through control of
molecular weight, MW distribution, composition distribution and
degree of crystallinity.
| Property Range of Vistamazz TP Elastomers
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| Density,
g/cc |
0.86 -
0.89 |
| MFR,
g/10 min |
1-25 |
| Mooney
Viscosity, |
ML 10-30 |
| Tg, C
- |
10 to -13 |
| Melting
Point, |
C 40 - 160 |
| Hardness,
Shore |
A 50 - 90 |
| Tensile
Str., Kg/Cm2 |
85-250 |
| Elongation,
% |
100 - 1500 |
| Elastic
Recovery, % |
80 - 97 |
Vistamaxx elastomers are expected to find use in the following
applications:
Non-Wovens to provide softness and elasticity to applications
where PP nonwovens are used, like medical
apparel, personal care and even car-seat covers.
Elastic films by cast process for baby diapers and hospital gowns
Impact modification of high flow impact modified PP for large
automotive products, initially
targeting TPO auto exterior and interior trim. Non-automotive TPO
applications in household goods and healthcare are also being explored.
Soft overmoulding on PP/HDPE due to excellent adhesion between
Vistamaxx and PP/HDPE.
These elastomers would be interesting new polymers for processors
looking for value addition to their existing product
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