Processing aid for new ethylene propylene elastomers

Additive.sfbr Polymers

June 2000

for spin dyeing, film and thin-wall mouldings; l

injection

Also giving good dispersion, PV Fast Green GNX is recommended for use in films.

Contact: Clariant International, Rothausstrasse 61, CH-4132 Muttenz I, Switzerland; tel: +4161 469 6969;,fax: +41-61 469 6999

New DSM elastomer balances elastic and UV performance

(Delta E ~2.5, Grey

l

Colour >3.5);

l

Low fogging (weight loss 70 or 85% at 100°C or 110°C);

l

UV resistance (mechanical

l

Good processing behaviour

level

retention);

The result is the Sarlink 5000 Series, which will shortly be launched generally, following successful test marketing at accounts throughout the world. DSM anticipates that the needs of the automotive and construction markets are emerging as: Automotive

sealing systems:

environment: push for ‘green’ solutions without losing functionality (EPDM and PVC) replacement by TPVs (weight, recyclability, halogen-free) styling: push for body- and interior material matching, switch from black to coloured; materials matched to or in harmony body or interior colours; functionality: specifications

with

move from materials-based towards functionality.

02000 Elsevier Science

increased demand for TPVs in wooden, PVC and aluminium frames due to: demand for coloured stability requirements;

gaskets with high UV

better elastic properties for high demanding seals compared with PVC; weldability bers.

Aiming to offer a markedly better combination of elastic performance versus UV/colour stability than existing materials, DSM is planning to introduce an innovative range of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV). The company identifies the future needs in automotive sealing systems and building and construction applications as: stability

Building and construction:

compared

with

thermoset

rub-

Contact: DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers BV, Urmond, The Netherlands; tel: +31-46 476 3.503; fax: +33-46 476 0040

Processing aid for new ethylene propylene elastomers A new processing aid has been introduced by Axe1 Plastics Research Laboratories for use with many of the new ethylene propylene terpolymer elastomers. Compounders and moulders are finding that the properties of the new grades offer significant advantages, but their chemical affinity for metal is often a serious problem. Axel’s new MoldWiz INT-1117EL has been widely tested with elastomer-modified polypropylene compounds, including types using metallocene catalysts and silica-filler compounds. The additive is a proprietary formulation of alkanes and alkanols that is off-white in colour and soft solid at room temperature. It is suitable for manufacture of elastomeric products such as consumer goods, footwear, automotive mechanical components and flexible electronic keypads. Typically, it is added by Banbury or roll-mill, at a level of 0.5-2.5 phr. . Axe1 has also started manufacture

in Europe of a convenient mould release spray, with widespread use in moulding thermoplastics and thermosets, and natural and synthetic rubbers. Mold-Wiz F-57L/NC Spray is based on a fluoropolymer and provides a dry monomolecular release film that is durable and non-transferring. It does not contain silicone, wax or stearate, and offers selective adhesion preventing the release film from being torn from the mould, so maximizing release performance and minimizing the need

3

Additives for Polymers

to reapply the release agent or to clean the moulded parts. Contact:

Europe: Axe1 Plastics Research Laboratories, c/o J Amat SA, Torrente Estadella, Pasaje No I I, 08030 Barcelona, Spain; tel: +34-93 498 7001; jbx: i-34-93 314 1127 Worldwide: Axe1 Plastics Research Laboratories Inc, Box 77 085.5, Woodside, NY 11377, USA; tel: i-l-718 672 83OO;jizx: +I-718 56.5 7447

COMPANY STRATEGIES Hubron buys white fillers in Akzo business reshuffle In a reshuffling of its portfolio of materials, Akzo Nobel is selling its silica white fillers business to J M Huber Corporation. The business is owned by Akzo-PQ Silica (APS), a 50:50 joint venture with PQ Corporation. As a separate move, the partners are also discussing the purchase by PQ Corp of Akzo’s remaining share in APS. Explaining the logic, Rudy M J van der Meer, Akzo Board Member responsible for Chemicals, said that the white fillers business operates on a market that is increasingly becoming global. The sale to J M Huber adds strategic value to the business by positioning it in an enterprise with as strong historical presence in the North American market and a growing presence in Europe. The APS white fillers business supplies the European market with precipitated silicas for use as fillers in a variety of products, including rubber compounds (such as those for ‘green’ tyres), paint and paper. It has a production operation in Duren, Germany, and management and research effort is headquartered in The Netherlands. Commenting on the proposed sale of the remaining interests to PQ, Stan Silverman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said that they formed a core element of PQ’s business activities and their purchase would enhance the leading positions that have been built up by the company in a number of sodium silicate and silica-related specialities. 4

June 2000

Contact: Akzo Nobel NV, Velperweg 76, PO Box 9300, 6800 SB Arnhem, The Netherlands; tel: +31-26 366 4343; fax: +31-26 366 4940

Goodrich forms speciality plastics venture with APT A joint venture to produce and market speciality catalysts, monomers, polymers and manufactured parts has been formed by B F Goodrich Company’s Performance Materials segment, and Advanced Polymer Technologies LLC, Goodrich APT LLC. BFG will contribute production assets and various monomers, polymers and fabricated products while APT will contribute its advanced catalyst technology, its Huntsville research facility and other intangible assets. Each company will retain a 50% equity interest. Headquarters for APT, LLC will be located in Huntsville, Texas. Charles S. Woodson, a senior executive of Advanced Polymer Technologies and Presidentdesignate of APT, LLC, commented that the joint venture would give benefits in an enhanced colorant system and a wider range of performance properties, with ease of processing through a more efficient moulding process. Examples of end products include tractor housing components, truck airfoils and industrial products. Goodrich product contributions to the new joint venture include Ultrene DCPD monomers, Telene DCPD polymers and fabricated compoThe company’s monomer production nents. operations in Calvert City, Kentucky and fabricated components facility in Elyria, Ohio will become a part of the joint venture. In addition, B F Goodrich’s research and development, technical support and commercial functions related to this business will be relocated from Brecksville, Ohio to Huntsville, Texas. Goodrich is also making a multi-million dollar investment to expand capacity of its manufacturing facility in Belgium. The plant, near Antwerp, produces Carbopol and Pemulen polymers and latex emulsions. These are synthetic rheology modifiers that are used in many different industries as thickeners, stabilizers and emulsifiers. The Antwerp facility opened in 1996, providing customers with a third source for B F Goodrich 02000 Elsevier Science