PP nanocomposites arrive for automotive parts.

A new polypropylene nanocomposite compound is available as a cost-effective alternative to more highly filled traditional materials, such as glass-reinforced PP used in automotive applications. Called Forte. it was launched last month by specialty compounder Noble Polymers of Grand Rapids, Mich., a division of injection molder Cascade Engineering. After two years of joint development with Cascade, Forte is making its commercial debut in the seat backs of Acura 2004 passenger cars.

Forte reportedly offers low density (0.928 g/cc), superior mechanical properties, and improved surface quality. Working with Acura, Cascade found that the originally specified glass-filled PP was causing processing problems, visual detects and warping. Forte was developed as a replacement. In testing by Noble, Cascade, and Acura, Forte compounds consistently improved the strength and reduced the weight and cost of parts, Noble reports. Improved recyclability is also said to result.

The nanocomposite comes in two grades. Forte 18CPP091 is medium-flow grade with a tangent flex modulus of 260,724 psi and 2% secant modulus of 175,000 psi. Tennsile strength at break is 3148 psi, and notched Izod impact is 4.5 ft-lb/in.

Forte 35CPP091 is a high-flow version with MFR of 30.2, notched Izod impact of 10.3 J/m at 23 C and 6.76 J/m at -30 C. Gardner impact strength is 1.6 J at 23 C and 0.5 J at -30 C. Tensile yield strength is 26,1 MPa flexural strength is 38.3 Mpa, elongation at break is 16.8% and flex modulus is. 1660 Mpa. HDT unannealed is 114 C at 66 psi and 58 C at 264 psi. Tel: [phone] www.noblepolymers.com.