Novel elastomeric PP is in development. (Materials).

Equistar Chemicals, LP in Houston has signed a licensing and collaboration agreement with Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) of Cincinnati to develop and commercialize P&G's new metallocene catalyst technology for elastomeric polypropylene resins. The goal is to create the first family of elastomeric homopolymer PP and perhaps elastomeric copolymers later on. The new resins could serve applications in packaging, health and hygiene, non-woven fibers, auto interiors, construction, housewares, and wire/cable. They are expected to compete with styrenic TPEs, TPU, EPR, metallocene plastomers, and mLLDPE.

"Nothing like it exists in the marketplace," says Rick Fontenot, Equistar's v.p. of R&D. "This revolutionary new product is in response to market needs for softer polymers, particularly in applications requiring soft touch and resiliency. While this new technology is in the early phases of development, initial results have been impressive." An example of a soft-touch application could be HDPE shampoo or hair-conditioner bottles with an exterior layer of elastomeric PP. The new resins may also find use as impact modifiers.

According to Ed Vargas, Equistar's manager of catalyst and process development, P&G's "elegantly simple" in-reactor technology potentially could be used in a number of PP processes, including the gasphase single reactor that Equistar will use initially. Fernando Benvegnu, P&G's v.p. of corporate R&D, says, "We are confident that by working with Equistar we will be able to bring this new technology to market in two or three years." According to Vargas, large-scale pilot quantities are about a year away Equistar aims to develop property data on the new resins over the next six to 12 months. Tel: [phone], www.equistarchem.com