Engineering resins extend their reach. (Materials).

A host of new engineering plastics grades will occupy the booth of GE Plastics, Pittsfield, Mass. The biggest surprise is they will be joined by a brand-new thermoset family based on polyphenylene oxide (PPO) chemistry. GE says it is based on a new thermosettable PPO that reacts with unnamed monomers. This Noryl ETX line, which is to be commercialized shortly, boasts some cost-performance advantages over vinyl esters and epoxies. Notable properties are said to include high strength and ductility, good electrical properties, and low moisture takeup. This thermoset may have potential in automotive valve covers, fuel-cell conductive plates, electrical transformers, and windmill blades.

GE Plastics is also expanding its existing line of engineering thermoplastics with a palette of novel grades. GE says it has added more "crystalline-like" properties to its Noryl PPO/PS family, while retaining the benefits of its amorphous structure. New Noryl CRX grades have enhanced oil and chemical resistance while retaining good processability. Potential end-uses include fluid handling parts, automotive under-hood parts, and connectors.

In addition, GE's polypropylene/PPO Noryl PPX now comes in several high-melt-strength grades for sheet and profile extrusion and thermoforming.

GE also unveiled the first clear version of its Lexan EXL silicone-polycarbonate copolymer. Compared with standard PC, the result is said to be dramatically improved toughness, especially at low temperatures, plus improved processability and mold-release properties, as well as better uv resistance. Until now, Lexan EXL has been opaque and thus limited mainly to outdoor parts like mailboxes, electrical housings, and auto-bumper energy absorbers. Clear EXL grades, to be commercialized late this year, open up potential in eyewear, water bottles, medical devices, lighting, and building products. GE plans to introduce clear EXL grades that are flame-retardant, too.

Ultem XH6050 is a new polyetherimide (PEI) claimed to have "the highest glass-transition temperature of any injection moldable thermoplastic on earth." A Tg of 249 C (480 F) makes it viable in projector and auto headlamp reflectors, as well as flexible circuit boards and dual-ovenable trays.

Other new Ultem grades are: 1010X, a low-ionic version for semi-conductor handling systems; ATX200, an alloy with 300% higher flow for use in thin-wall molding and 1000E, a high-impact grade that is FDA-approved. for food-service and medical uses.

GE Plastics plans to introduce a high-performance version of its Geloy ASA weatherable capstock resin. Geloy XTW enhances weatherability performance by 200% to 300% versus existing Geloy grades, while gloss retention is 80%. This opens new potential in window profiles, siding, and sheet for thermoformed parts of spas, boat hulls, and recreational and agricultural vehicles.

GE has also expanded its Cytra line of ABS/PBT alloys with low-gloss, high-impact XCT200; low-gloss, high-heat XCT300; and glass-filled, low-gloss, high-stiffness XCT500. The new slate enhances the ability of ABS/PBT to compete against PP and PP alloys in auto interior trim such as glove-box covers. Tel: [phone], www.geplastics.com