After reading our recent article on 'New developments continue to expand and strengthen applications of Polypropylene'. Some of the readers showed an interest in learning about the new PP grades that can help them to make their products better. We, from Plastemart.com, like to highlight some of the recently introduced grades.

Blown Films

PP due to its poor melt strength compared to PE has a very limited role in the conventional upward extrusion film blowing. While some commercial success was observed with Basell's catalloy products in the last decade, new grades have emerged from Dow Atofina.

Dow's Inspire High melt strength(HMS) grades have improved processability. They offer 20 times greater melt strength compared to conventional PP. These grades also have better drawability (almost 3 times more) compared to the conventional PP grades. Two grades called Inspire 112 and D114 with 0.4 MFR and 0.5 MFR respectively provide more than 120 gram dart impact on 50 micron film. The PP bags made from Inspire 112 have excellent autoclavability due to higher melting point. Both these grades offer an opportunity for retort pouches. They can also be used in melt phase thermoforming sheets.Atofina has also recently introduced high melt strength grades called Finaplas 1251 for blown films. This MPP grade is expected to provide good clarity (haze value of 5 - 7%). Atofina has also been offering a high crystalline polymer grade 3270 with improved processability. It also provides excellent stiffness.

Cast BOPP Films

Atofina has been offering metallocene (mPP) grade Finaplas 1571 with 10 MFR having low haze value of 4-6.A very interesting functionalised mPP grade SM 7-vol that is grafted ith maleic anhydride layer for film. This grade can improve compatability of PP ith ABS, PC or even TPU. Of course Basell's Clyrell random copolymers have low scale initiation temperatures. Their organoleptics due to low level of hexane extractables make them ideal for coating layers of BOPP film.Chevron Phillips is offering enhanced homopolymer grades HGY 020 and HGY 030 ith 2 & 3 MFR respectively for high speed BOPP lines. Both of them improve running speeds by almost 25% compared to the conventional BOPP grades. ExxonMobil is also offering an easy processable homopolymer grade PP4792E1. It also has haze value lower than 1% and excellent gloss.

Corrugated Sheet

BP has introduced Accturf 3140 homopolymer with 1.3 MFR that has long term thermal stability and improved printability.

Optical Fiber Conduit

Dow's Inspire D 113-01 impact copolymer with 0.9 MFR has excellent low temperature impact and is aimed at optical fiber conduits. Will it replace MDPE/HDPE that is commonly used for this application.

Wire & Cable

Equistar from USA is offering an impact copolymer grade PP 4173S using Novolen technology. This grade can be used for high speed cable extrusion without affecting centring of conductor. It meets Telecordia 017 aging requirement. It can be used as a solid insulation or as skin layer over HDPE foam insulation and provides more mechanical strength.

Injection Moulding

There are several grades developments in this largest application segment. These grades fall in the category of heterophasic impact copolymers. Most of these developments have been aimed at enhanced rigidity-impact balance. Some of them are aimed to improve heat resistance.

Some of the newer grades for injection moulded products are:

In addition, several newer grades are available from BP, Chevron Phillips, Equistar and Huntsman. Their information can be obtained by viewing their websites or contacting their marketing office. This report does not include all the new developmental grades, but provides a window to look at some exciting products.

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