Machine compounds and molds long-fibre filled parts

A new machine combines in-line compounding with injection molding to make long glass-fibre filled parts in a one-step process. The technology is a result of a joint development project between Husky Injection Molding Systems (Bolton, ON) and Werner & Pfleiderer. The machine, which operates like a standard injection system, results in longer fibre lengths in parts than pre-compounded resins can achieve, increasing mechanical performance properties. It also reduces costs by integrating compounding and injection processes. Husky recently introduced a 300-tonne injection machine equipped with a Werner & Pfleiderer ZSK40 twin-screw extruder. The machine was used to produce a 30 percent glass-filled polypropylene plate with a fibre length of up to 20 mm.

Catalyst technology set to enhance gas-phase PE throughput

Nova Chemicals Corporation has successfully transferred its Advanced Sclairtech Ziegler-Natta (Z-N) catalyst to its Unipol gas-phase polyethylene plant in Joffre, AB. Trials have shown the Novacat T catalyst formulation is a direct and superior replacement for conventional Z-N catalysts in commercial-scale production plants, according to president, Nova Chemicals Olefins/Polyolefins business Dan Boivin.

Novacat T catalyst technology will be available to selected licensees. The catalyst is available to produce Z-N resins with narrow or broader molecular weight distributions. Initial results indicate hexene film resins produced with the catalyst are fully competitive with benchmark hexene film resins.