Materials.

Look for new families of LLDPE and PP, lots of new TPOs and TPEs, and a full spectrum of new engineering resins and compounds.

Brand-new families of octene LLDPEs made by metallocene and conventional catalysts are just a taste of the wealth of new materials that await you at NPE. You'll also find a host of new PPs and TPOs, new uv-stable HIPS for business-machine housings, and unusual foamable grades of CPET and CPVC.

And that's just for starters. In the engineering-resins arena, expect to see lots of new nylon grades with higher toughness and better dimensional stability, and new acetals with excellent resistance to automotive fuels. A brand new PTT polyester is said to combine performance with moldability and be competitive with nylons. Other important news includes easier processing PC, ABS, and styrenic alloys, plus a host of new TP elastomers and new conductive and antistatic compounds.

LOTS NEW IN POLYOLEFINS

NPE will be the launch of Rexell LLDPE from Rexene Corp., Dallas. It will be produced at a plant due for start-up late next year that will use DSM's solution process. Most of the output will consist of octene-comonomer grades using conventional catalyst, but Rexene plans to launch metallocene LLDPE before the end of this year.

Eighteen octene-based grades of Rexell are being premarketed for cast and blown film, injection molding, extrusion coating, and rotomolding. They span a melt-index range from 1 to 35 and densities from 0.902 up into the HDPE range of 0.963. Examples include: TMX 1000F, a heat-sealable, cast- and blown-film grade with a 3 MI and a density of 0.902; 5119S for injection molding lids, with high mold release, 11 MI, and 0.944 density; and 4046F, a cast-film grade (4.4 MI, 0.936 g/cc) for diaper backing.

Two families of recently announced metallocene LLDPEs will be featured by Phillips Chemical Co., Houston, which is starting with one 0.9-MI, 0.920-g/cc hexene grade; and Dow Plastics, Midland, Mich., with its four Elite Enhanced PE octene grades for blown and cast film (see PT, April '97, pp. 19, 63).

On the polypropylene side, Rexene is also featuring its newly commercial Rexflex FPO, a line of homo- and copolymers said to combine heat resistance, ease of processing, and strength with softness and flexibility.

Chisso America, Inc., Chicago, is launching a new PP family including metallocene-catalyzed homopolymer and copolymer, Expan high-melt-strength homopolymer and copolymer, HS-PP enhanced high-crystallinity resin, Oleace non-halogen FR-PP homopolymer and copolymer, and Synpearl "ultra-pearlescent" PP.

Amoco Polymers of Alpharetta, Ga., will show a new high-clarity PP for oriented bottles and thermoforming.

Montell Polyolefins, Wilmington, Del., is making news in FR-PP with Astryn BA905-74, a 12-MFR, UL 94V-0 copolymer with good sealing properties for applications such as battery jars and electrical components. It boasts 220,000 psi flex modulus, Gardner impact of 16 in.-lb, and notched Izod impact of 0.8 ft-lb/in.

There are also new mineral-filled and FR PPs from Multibase, Inc., Copley, Ohio and 10-40% glass-filled PPs from M.A.. Hanna Engineered Materials, Dyersburg, Tenn., that are said to offer improved surface appearance, mold release, and stiffness/impact balance.

TONS OF TPOs AND TPEs

Thermoplastic elastomers will account for one of the largest categories of new products at the show:

* Teknor Apex Co., Pawtucket, R.I., has a new generation of TPOs that are said to be drier and softer to the touch than EPDM-based products, better in physical and weathering properties and processability, and 25% lower in cost. Seven grades in the Tel-car 1035 line have Shore A hardnesses from 60 to 90 and are aimed at injection, extrusion, and blow molding of gaskets, weatherstripping, and hand grips.

* Montell is introducing a uv-stabilized, white extrusion-grade TPO for exterior membrane applications in recreational vehicles and marine decking. Hifax CA211GC has a 28 Shore D hardness and 8000 psi modulus.

* Montell will also feature TPOs made from its Catalloy process, including one whose application on the new Dodge Viper GTS Coupe is reportedly the first domestic TPO vertical body panel.

* Chisso is presenting Newcom in-reactor TPOs.

* Toyota Super Olefins for auto bumpers and interior trim will be introduced by both the ATC Div. of Ube Industries, Inc., N.Y.C., and Color & Composite Technologies, Inc., Sidney, Ohio.

* Scratch-resistant TPEs for airbag covers will be introduced by Multibase. Its new Multi-Flex olefinic TPE adheres to ABS, PC, and acrylic. "Primerless" paintable Multi-Flex olefinic compounds will also be introduced for automotive and other applications.

* Custom-formulated TPEs with reportedly unique adhesion properties will be introduced by M.A. Hanna Thermoplastic Elastomers, North Ridgeville, Ohio.

* VS-Polymer elastomer with high vibration damping is new from Kuraray International Corp., Lisle, Ill. Some grades are compatible with polyolefins.

* Among several new Hercuprene TPEs from J-Von L.P., Leominster, Mass., are three soft grades of 9, 18, and 25 Shore A intended for bicycle seats, soft grips, and seals. A new 60 Shore A grade is for overmolding ABS, PC, and PC/ABS. New clear TPEs of 30-65 Shore A are intended as PVC replacements. In addition, a styrenic TPE series will be introduced with a density of 1.0-1.05 (most existing styrenic TPEs are 0.9 or 1.2 g/cc).

* Two new Versaflex TPEs from GLS Corp.'s TPE Div., Cary, Ill, are for over-molding and grips.

* Four new TPUs from BFGoodrich Specialty Plastics include Estane 58284 (85 Shore A), which naturally produces a matte finish. The others are Estane 58238 and Estane 58661 for film extrusion and Estane 58149 for injection molding.

* Skythane TPU and Skypel TPE will be introduced by Sunkyong Industries of Korea.

NEWS IN CPET, CPVC, AND PS

Shell Chemical Co., Houston, will be introducing Petlite II, a CPET for extruding very low-density foam sheet for thermoforming into food trays that can withstand oven baking temperatures. Density of 0.2 g/cc constitutes 85% materials savings over solid CPET.

What's said to be the first foamable CPVC compound will be introduced by BFGoodrich's TempRite Div., Cleveland. TempRite CPVC foam has half the density and half the cost of solid CPVC. In addition, new TempRite CIM 190 and CIM 220 high-flow compounds offer HDT's of 190 F and 220 F, respectively.

In HIPS, the news is Styroblend PC 2065 uv-stable injection molding grade from BASF Corp., Mt. Olive, N.J. It's aimed at non-FR electrical/electronic parts. This 6-MFR material has a Gardner impact of 225 in.-lb and Vicat softening temperature of 212 F.

TOUGHER ACETALS AND NYLONS

Toughened Delrin 111P and high-flow Delrin 911P have joined the new, fuel-resistant Delrin 11p series of acetals from DuPont Engineering Polymers, Wilmington, Del. In addition, a new series of high-impact acetals will be shown by Ashley Polymers, Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y.

DuPont will also highlight its new Zytel DMX modified nylon 66 for automotive connectors, which is said to combine high flow with dimensional stability and hydrolysis resistance.

New toughened nylon 66 compounds from TP Composites, Inc., Aston, Pa., include lubricated and 13%-glass-filled grades.

Grivory GV, a super-stiff, partially aromatic nylon copolymer with reportedly excellent dimensional stability, good impact resistance, and excellent surface finish will be introduced by EMS-American Grilon, Sumter, S.C. New chlorine-free nylons for medical applications will also be shown by the company.

New grades of nylon 6 and 66 will be introduced by Polymer Resources Ltd., Stamford, Conn. New nylon and PBT grades will also be shown by The Plastics Group of America, Woonsocket, R.I. Also look for new reinforced and unfilled nylon-olefin alloys from Adell Plastics, Inc., Baltimore.

A NEW POLYESTER BOWS IN

The newest thing in polyesters is Corterra poly-trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) aromatic polymer from Shell Chemical Co. It's said to combine the performance characteristics of PET with the moldability of PBT. Originally developed for fibers in 1995, Corterra is now offered in neat and glass-filled grades that reportedly can compete with reinforced nylon 6 and 66 in automotive, electrical, and appliance parts, especially where dimensional stability is an issue.

New Crastin HR PBTs from DuPont are said to outperform standard PBT in hydrolysis tests, including USCAR Class III. Other desirable features include high flow and adhesion to epoxy.

GE Plastics, Pittsfield, Mass., has a new PBT blend called Valox 364 that's aimed at outdoor telecommunications enclosures. It resists weathering and impact at -40 F.

Other developments include a series of glass- and mineral-reinforced, lubricated, and flame-retardant PET compounds from TP Composites and a reinforced PBT from Ashley Polymers that is said to maintain exceptional mechanical and electrical properties in all types of environments.

EASIER MOLDING PC AND ABS

A Chrysler minivan on display in the GE booth indicates the potential for saving 50% of the weight and at least 10% of the cost of side and rear windows by replacing glass with polycarbonate. GE says advances in its MR10 silicone hard-coating technology make this new application a real possibility.

Also new from GE is Lexan OQ3 White Water for eyewear. It offers more than 87% light transmission, less than 0.5% haze, and reduced yellowness index.

Other news in PC resins includes Polyfil reinforced grades with up to 40% glass from The Plastics Group of America. New flame-retardant PC will be introduced by Ashley Polymers, while Daicel Polymers, Inc., Fort Lee, N.J., will bring out DR-620 high-flow, non-halogenated FR PC alloy, which is reportedly non-blooming and non-plating.

New easy-flow, transparent T-140 ABS from Daicel exhibits 88% light transmission and has low haze. Daicel will also introduce new Cevian LM laser-markable ABS and PBT/ABS. The Plastics Group of America also has new ABS grades. In addition, new Sur-Flex ABS/TPU alloy from Multibase is for applications requiring high impact resistance at moderate cost.

GE has four new PC/ABS blends. For automotive instrument panels, Cycoloy IP1000 has improved flow that is said to reduce cycle times by up to 20%. New Cycoloy MC 8800 boasts impact strength, dimensional stability, and high heat resistance for use in exterior body and filler panels.

GE's newest entry for business machines is Cycoloy C6200, a medium-heat, non-halogen FR, uv-stable grade for thin-wall molding. Another non-halogen FR grade is Cycoloy EC080, a lower-cost material for thicker walls in computer monitors.

GE is also going after computer monitors with new Cycolac VW55 ABS, which contains a non-blooming, non-plating brominated epoxy FR agent. It also boasts 81 C HDT, very broad processing window, and good regrind stability.

Impact resistance with ductility is the key to GE's new Noryl EM 6100 and EM 7100 automotive "energy management" grades of PPO alloys. GE also has brought out new 600, 800, and 900 series Noryl GTX nylon/PPO blends aimed at automotive under-hood sensors, connectors, and blow molded resonators.

Other new Noryl grades include non-halogen flame-retardant types for electrical/electronic uses, high-flow flame-retardant grades for toner cartridges, and custom filled grades (with carbon fiber, mica, glass, and/or PTFE) for business-machine internal parts.

GE also has new Geloy ASA resins: CR+7510 for auto exterior parts, CR+7010 for sheet extrusion and thermoformed boats and spas, and CR+7020 for extruded house siding, windows, and doors.

HIGH-HEAT ENGINEERING RESINS

GE Plastics has just come out with a PEI/PPO blend called Ultem MD 133 that is aimed at automotive under-hood electrical parts. The blend is said to be somewhat lower in cost and performance than unmodified Ultem.

Gafone PES and developmental Gatone PAEK from Gharda Chemicals Ltd. of India will be introduced to the U.S. by Franklin Polymers, Inc., Broomall, Pa.

Also new to the U.S. are Skyton PBT and Suntra PPS from Sunkyong Industries of Seoul, Korea, and Exel PES and Super LCP from Sumika Polymers America (represented by Calsak Corp., Schaumburg, Ill.).

Among domestic sources, Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport, Tenn., will feature its new Thermx LCP (PT, Apr. '97, p. 47). New lubricated, wear-resistant engineering compounds will be presented by the CTI Div. of M.A. Hanna Engineered Materials, Corona, Calif.

CONDUCTIVE & ANTISTATIC

The newest development in conductive plastics is the use of carbon "fibrils" - hollow microfibers only 0.01 micron thick. According to GE Plastics, they facilitate electrostatic painting of plastics at very low loadings, resulting in better surface appearance and physical properties than are obtained with other conductive fibers or fillers. GE will show the first commercial use - a Ford mirror housing molded of new Noryl GTX 902C.

Four new clear static-dissipative alloys will be introduced by the Stat-Rite Div. of BFGoodrich Specialty Plastics, Cleveland. Stat-Rite E-1140 polyester TPU, E-1150 polyether TPU, M-200 PP, and M-693 PETG are aimed at medical and electronics products.

A new antistatic ABS from Advanced Web Products, Inc., N.Y.C., reportedly combines excellent mechanical properties, surface appearance, and moldability.

What to Look for

* Octene LLDPE from a new source.

* PP copolymer with UL 94 V-0 rating.

* Softer TPOs with improved physical and weathering properties.

* New TPO is a first for vertical body panels.

* Low-density CPET foam sheet for thermoforming.

* New PTT polyester to compete with nylon.