New COC grades for molding & film.

Despite plans to sell off its Topas cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) business, Ticona, Florence, Ky., continues to expand the Topas line with new molding and film grades. For injection molded lenses and other optical components, new Topas TKX-0001 and 5010L-01 COC bring improved clarity, transparency, and high flow. TKX-0001 is designed for printer "f-theta" lenses, cell-phone camera lenses, and light-guide plates, it boasts good mold release, HDT of 127 C (261 F) at 66 psi, and glass-transition temperature ([T.sub.g]) of 144) C. Topas 5010L-01 has lower heat resistance but it can be injection molded at lower temperatunes than TKX-0001 and has higher melt flow to fill larger and more complex molds. Topas 5010L-01 is targeted for large light guides and diffusion plates in LCD TVs, notebook computers, and other displays.

Ticona's new film grade, Topas 8007F-400, has a broader processing window than prior grades and can be run on standard blown film lines without equipment modifications. The material makes highly transparent films that are practically free of gels, Ticona claims. Topas 8007F-400 adheres to polyolefins, especially LLDPE. It can be metalized and colored and has inherent moisture barrier. Applications include pouches, flow-packs, lidding, and twist wrap. Tel: [phone] * PT Direct: 688RF