PolyOne unveils new copolyester/ABS blend and biopolymer compounds

PolyOne Corporation, together with Eastman Chemical Company, announced at NPE2009 the launch of a new family of opaque compounds based on Eastman Tritan copolyester blended with ABS.

Called Edgetek XT, these new materials are claimed to deliver exceptional chemical resistance and hydrolytic stability, as well as outstanding toughness, high gloss and ease of processing.

Eastman launched Tritan copolyester resin in 2007. It is manufactured without bisphenol-A (BPA) and has had success as a polycarbonate replacement in applications such as reusable sports water bottles, infant care products, small appliances, signs, medical devices and housewares. Minimal retooling is needed because Tritan performs similarly to PC when injection molded.

Up until now, Tritan has been available only as a clear material. Now, as Edgetek XT it is also available in an opaque version. PolyOne will offer more than a dozen commercial grades of Edgetek XT.

“These new compounds are an ideal extension of the Edgetek family of high-performance polymers,” said Craig Nikrant, vice president and general manager, Specialty Engineering materials, PolyOne. “The inherent chemical resistance and hydrolytic stability of Tritan copolyester make the new compounds ideal for applications where heat and chemical attack are prevalent, including housewares, hand-held electronics and small kitchen appliances, which may be repeatedly exposed to cleansers and disinfectants.” Healthcare products are another target market.

Also launched at NPE2009 is PolyOne’s new Resound family of biopolymer compounds. These patent-pending compounds, formulated with a 30 per cent minimum bio-derived content, offer a substantial boost in heat performance and impact resistance as compared to neat bioplastics. Resound compounds combine compatible thermoplastic resins with bio-based polymers such as PLA, PHB, PHBV and biopolyesters. Grades are available with heat resistance up to 120 degrees C and impact resistance up to 53 J/m (12 ft-lb/in). Applications are foreseen in durables previously out of reach for biopolymers, such as computer laptops, cell phones, PDAs and automotive components. Processing characteristics are similar to traditional engineering resins.