- Email: [email protected]
Woodflour provides enhanced PVC compound
February 2002
100 °C. This means that a working temperature range of 120-350 °C can now be covered. The company has also developed a new range of SCB products in grit form that give important improvements in surface finish and cell structure, particularly in foam uPVC extrusion. Tramaco produces blowing and nucleating agents, cell stabilizers, antistatic agents, and a full range of additives for foam thermoplastics.
Contact. Axel Plastics, 5820 Broadway, Woodside, NY 11377, USA; tel: +1-718-6728300: fax: +1-718-565-7447; e-mail: info@ axelplast.com Conoco Cevolution, PO Box 2197, Houston, TX 77252-2197, USA; tel: +1-877-319-8853; .fax: +1-281-293-3117 Imervs, Niirnberger Str. 16-18, D-40599, Diisseldorf Germany; tel: +49-211-99-88870; fax. +49-211-99-888 710 Luzenac Group, 131, avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92200 Neuilly, France; tel." +33-1-4745-9040; fax. +33-1-4747-5805 Omya GmbH, Brohler Str. l lA, D-50968 K61n, Germany; tel." +49-221-3 775-0 Tramaco GmbH, Siemensstrasse 1-5, D-25421 Pinneberg, Germany; tel: +49-4101-706-02;fax: +49-4101-706-200; email: [email protected] Wolkem India Ltd, Mumbai, India; tel: +91-226160977
DuPont develops multi-purpose modifiers for engineering thermoplastics DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers has introduced a new range of Elvaloy ® AC ethylene acrylic copolymers. It says these halogen-free resins, which include ethylene methyl, ethyl and butyl acrylates (EMA, EEA and EBA, respectively), offer better thermal and processing stability, greater melt strength and higher filler acceptance than existing acrylic copolymers and from ethylene-vinyl acetates (EVAs). DuPont believes that they will present plastics compounders and processors with profitable options in polymer modification and masterbatch production. It recommends that these non-corrosive, low-odour modifiers should be considered for improving impact resistance and increasing flexibility in engineering polymers where a moderate to
©2002 Elsevier Science
Additives for Polymers
intermediate level of toughness is required at a reasonable cost. They are claimed to be highly suitable for use in universal masterbatches. The new materials are produced in a free radical polymerization process carried out in a tubular reactor. Apparently, this process leads to a more heterogeneous molecular architecture than the conventional autoclave process. According to DuPont, another characteristic of the tubular process is that the resulting polymer shows a higher level of long chain branching, leading to better processability and higher melt strength. The materials are said to remain stable up to 350 °C in air, or 400 °C in nitrogen, and have higher crystalline melt temperatures than conventionally made polymers. A higher thermal tolerance improves overall processing stability and allows their use in combination with high temperature engineering polymers. Elvaloy AC copolymers also help lower injection moulding costs, the company says. The materials are non-reactive, therefore they tend to reduce the specific weight and volume-price of the finished injection-moulding compound, while their higher melt flow index creates shorter cycle times. The high polarity of the ethylene acrylates makes them compatible with a broad range of commodity and engineering thermoplastics, including PA, PP, PBT, PET, ABS, PC and LCPs. They can also be used to enhance the compatibility in PC blends. The polarity is responsible for their high filler acceptance of up to 80% by weight, and means that they can also be used as pigment binders, DuPont says. The resins' high melting points and low adhesion to metal also aid processing, preventing stickiness and bridging in the feed zone of compounding extruders.
Contact." DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers, Barley Mill Plaza 26-2122, Lancaster Pike & Route 141, PO Box 80026, Wilmington, DE 19880-0026, USA; tel." +1-302-992-5225; fax: +1-302-992-3495
Woodflour provides enhanced PVC compound Doeflex/Vitapol, has launched Timbercel, a PVC compound containing 30-50% woodflour content. The company, which is a division of Vita Thermoplastic Compounds Limited, says the new material offers a number of advantages,
5
Additives.for Polymers
including that it is foamed during extrusion and can produce lengths of PVC that exhibit many of the attributes of machined wooden strips. It can be drilled, screwed or nailed and it is recyclable. Timbercel is said to resist degradation because the organic cellular structure of the wood is bound up in a matrix of PVC. The material will also exhibit a certain level of fire retardance, says Doeflex/Vitapol. It is targeted at building and constmction applications, such as window frames, decking and cornicing. Company managing director David Outen says that the development of Timbercel is part of its programme to find new and improved uses for PVC. It does not view PVC as being a mature product, he says, but one that is still open to exciting development opportunities.
Contact: Doe/lex/Vitapol, Unit 64, Boswell Wav, Stakehill Industrial Estate, Middleton, Manchester M24 2FL, UK," tel: +44-161-6553265; Jax." +44-161-655-3735
COMPANY STRATEGIES Akcros Chemicals sells lead stabilizers business, invests in solid stabilizers Akcros Chemicals signed an agreement in early December for a management buy-out of its lead stabilizer business by key personnel. The company revealed its intention to discontinue its lead stabilizer and related rigid plastics applications business back in August 2001. The management buyout team is forming a new company under the name of Allstab, which will continue the Akcros Chemicals operations in Dueren and Dahlem in Germany, and Roermond in The Netherlands. Akcros Chemicals, the Plastics and Processing Additives business unit of Akzo Nobel, is to retain responsibility for the rigids stabilizers business during the first quarter of 2002 and will transfer the business to Allstab in April 2002. The lead- and calcium-based stabilizers concerned are used in the manufacture of PVC window profiles, cables and pipes. The business also includes lead oxide, manufactured in Roermond, which is used both as a raw material for lead stabilizers and the crystal glass
6
Februa~ 2002
industry. "The lead stabilizers business represents only one third of the Akcros business", explains business unit manager, Kees van Nierop. The company will now concentrate on growing its global positions in its remaining business areas, PVC additives for flexible and rigid foil applications and polysulphide chemicals used in aerospace and building applications. Both areas look very positive van Nierop says. Demonstrating its confidence in the sector, Akcros Chemicals has also announced that it is investing in increased production of solid stabilizers for PVC. Citing growing demand for PVC stabilizers combining high performance with low volatility and odour, the company says it will boost production of the interlite ~' ZP range of solid mixed metal soap stabilizers at its Eccles plant in the UK. Akcros Chemicals says the Interlite range is long established in medical and food related applications but now recent significant improvements in performance make them suitable for more demanding technical applications in plasticized PVC. Usually calciurn/zinc based, they offer the additional benefit of being lead, barium and cadmium free. Akcros Chemicals will also concentrate production of the interlite solid stabilizers by transferring manufacture of those products currently produced at Dahlem, Germany, to the Eccles site. European production of Akcros PVC Additives is now centred on two sites, in Eccles and Greiz (Germany). "Having those products under fewer roofs makes good commercial sense", explains Eccles site manager, Terry Hill. "it means that Eccles and Greiz each manufacture almost the full range of Akcros PVC Additives." The company also produces PVC Additives in New Brunswick, N J, USA.
Contact." Akcros Chemicals" BV, Akcros Business Centre, Schepersweg 3, 6049 CV Roermond (Herten), The Netherlands," tel- +31-475-356356; fax." +31-475-356-300; e-mail: alexanden verhorst@akcros, corn
Bayer reorganizes into four independent subsidiaries Currently Europe's third largest manufacturer of chemicals, Bayer AG is to transform its current
©2002 Elsevier Science
100 °C. This means that a working temperature range of 120-350 °C can now be covered. The company has also developed a new range of SCB products in grit form that give important improvements in surface finish and cell structure, particularly in foam uPVC extrusion. Tramaco produces blowing and nucleating agents, cell stabilizers, antistatic agents, and a full range of additives for foam thermoplastics.
Contact. Axel Plastics, 5820 Broadway, Woodside, NY 11377, USA; tel: +1-718-6728300: fax: +1-718-565-7447; e-mail: info@ axelplast.com Conoco Cevolution, PO Box 2197, Houston, TX 77252-2197, USA; tel: +1-877-319-8853; .fax: +1-281-293-3117 Imervs, Niirnberger Str. 16-18, D-40599, Diisseldorf Germany; tel: +49-211-99-88870; fax. +49-211-99-888 710 Luzenac Group, 131, avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92200 Neuilly, France; tel." +33-1-4745-9040; fax. +33-1-4747-5805 Omya GmbH, Brohler Str. l lA, D-50968 K61n, Germany; tel." +49-221-3 775-0 Tramaco GmbH, Siemensstrasse 1-5, D-25421 Pinneberg, Germany; tel: +49-4101-706-02;fax: +49-4101-706-200; email: [email protected] Wolkem India Ltd, Mumbai, India; tel: +91-226160977
DuPont develops multi-purpose modifiers for engineering thermoplastics DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers has introduced a new range of Elvaloy ® AC ethylene acrylic copolymers. It says these halogen-free resins, which include ethylene methyl, ethyl and butyl acrylates (EMA, EEA and EBA, respectively), offer better thermal and processing stability, greater melt strength and higher filler acceptance than existing acrylic copolymers and from ethylene-vinyl acetates (EVAs). DuPont believes that they will present plastics compounders and processors with profitable options in polymer modification and masterbatch production. It recommends that these non-corrosive, low-odour modifiers should be considered for improving impact resistance and increasing flexibility in engineering polymers where a moderate to
©2002 Elsevier Science
Additives for Polymers
intermediate level of toughness is required at a reasonable cost. They are claimed to be highly suitable for use in universal masterbatches. The new materials are produced in a free radical polymerization process carried out in a tubular reactor. Apparently, this process leads to a more heterogeneous molecular architecture than the conventional autoclave process. According to DuPont, another characteristic of the tubular process is that the resulting polymer shows a higher level of long chain branching, leading to better processability and higher melt strength. The materials are said to remain stable up to 350 °C in air, or 400 °C in nitrogen, and have higher crystalline melt temperatures than conventionally made polymers. A higher thermal tolerance improves overall processing stability and allows their use in combination with high temperature engineering polymers. Elvaloy AC copolymers also help lower injection moulding costs, the company says. The materials are non-reactive, therefore they tend to reduce the specific weight and volume-price of the finished injection-moulding compound, while their higher melt flow index creates shorter cycle times. The high polarity of the ethylene acrylates makes them compatible with a broad range of commodity and engineering thermoplastics, including PA, PP, PBT, PET, ABS, PC and LCPs. They can also be used to enhance the compatibility in PC blends. The polarity is responsible for their high filler acceptance of up to 80% by weight, and means that they can also be used as pigment binders, DuPont says. The resins' high melting points and low adhesion to metal also aid processing, preventing stickiness and bridging in the feed zone of compounding extruders.
Contact." DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers, Barley Mill Plaza 26-2122, Lancaster Pike & Route 141, PO Box 80026, Wilmington, DE 19880-0026, USA; tel." +1-302-992-5225; fax: +1-302-992-3495
Woodflour provides enhanced PVC compound Doeflex/Vitapol, has launched Timbercel, a PVC compound containing 30-50% woodflour content. The company, which is a division of Vita Thermoplastic Compounds Limited, says the new material offers a number of advantages,
5
Additives.for Polymers
including that it is foamed during extrusion and can produce lengths of PVC that exhibit many of the attributes of machined wooden strips. It can be drilled, screwed or nailed and it is recyclable. Timbercel is said to resist degradation because the organic cellular structure of the wood is bound up in a matrix of PVC. The material will also exhibit a certain level of fire retardance, says Doeflex/Vitapol. It is targeted at building and constmction applications, such as window frames, decking and cornicing. Company managing director David Outen says that the development of Timbercel is part of its programme to find new and improved uses for PVC. It does not view PVC as being a mature product, he says, but one that is still open to exciting development opportunities.
Contact: Doe/lex/Vitapol, Unit 64, Boswell Wav, Stakehill Industrial Estate, Middleton, Manchester M24 2FL, UK," tel: +44-161-6553265; Jax." +44-161-655-3735
COMPANY STRATEGIES Akcros Chemicals sells lead stabilizers business, invests in solid stabilizers Akcros Chemicals signed an agreement in early December for a management buy-out of its lead stabilizer business by key personnel. The company revealed its intention to discontinue its lead stabilizer and related rigid plastics applications business back in August 2001. The management buyout team is forming a new company under the name of Allstab, which will continue the Akcros Chemicals operations in Dueren and Dahlem in Germany, and Roermond in The Netherlands. Akcros Chemicals, the Plastics and Processing Additives business unit of Akzo Nobel, is to retain responsibility for the rigids stabilizers business during the first quarter of 2002 and will transfer the business to Allstab in April 2002. The lead- and calcium-based stabilizers concerned are used in the manufacture of PVC window profiles, cables and pipes. The business also includes lead oxide, manufactured in Roermond, which is used both as a raw material for lead stabilizers and the crystal glass
6
Februa~ 2002
industry. "The lead stabilizers business represents only one third of the Akcros business", explains business unit manager, Kees van Nierop. The company will now concentrate on growing its global positions in its remaining business areas, PVC additives for flexible and rigid foil applications and polysulphide chemicals used in aerospace and building applications. Both areas look very positive van Nierop says. Demonstrating its confidence in the sector, Akcros Chemicals has also announced that it is investing in increased production of solid stabilizers for PVC. Citing growing demand for PVC stabilizers combining high performance with low volatility and odour, the company says it will boost production of the interlite ~' ZP range of solid mixed metal soap stabilizers at its Eccles plant in the UK. Akcros Chemicals says the Interlite range is long established in medical and food related applications but now recent significant improvements in performance make them suitable for more demanding technical applications in plasticized PVC. Usually calciurn/zinc based, they offer the additional benefit of being lead, barium and cadmium free. Akcros Chemicals will also concentrate production of the interlite solid stabilizers by transferring manufacture of those products currently produced at Dahlem, Germany, to the Eccles site. European production of Akcros PVC Additives is now centred on two sites, in Eccles and Greiz (Germany). "Having those products under fewer roofs makes good commercial sense", explains Eccles site manager, Terry Hill. "it means that Eccles and Greiz each manufacture almost the full range of Akcros PVC Additives." The company also produces PVC Additives in New Brunswick, N J, USA.
Contact." Akcros Chemicals" BV, Akcros Business Centre, Schepersweg 3, 6049 CV Roermond (Herten), The Netherlands," tel- +31-475-356356; fax." +31-475-356-300; e-mail: alexanden verhorst@akcros, corn
Bayer reorganizes into four independent subsidiaries Currently Europe's third largest manufacturer of chemicals, Bayer AG is to transform its current
©2002 Elsevier Science