Materials (November 01, 2004)

LOW-GLOSS TPO FOR AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR PARTS

Dow Automotive has commercialized an industry-leading ultra low gloss thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) resin for molded-in-color interior applications. The INSPiRE performance polymer materials can achieve an overall average unit of two on the Gardner 60 degree gloss meter, while also exhibiting exceptional scratch/mar resistance and lower specific gravity.

In addition to IP top covers, potential applications for the new INSPiRE resin could include overhead consoles, IP base panels, center consoles, trim components and glove box doors. This material meets safety standards for FMVSS 201/208 crashworthiness.

Dow Chemical Canada Inc. 800-363-3500

PROCESS AID SOLVES NYLON ISSUES

MoldWiz INT-38HM process aid additive, from Axel Plastics Research Laboratories, enhances the processing of polyamide resins by achieving better flow and release at lower melt temperatures.

“This combination of qualities reduces the risk of resin degradation that can occur when excessive heat is required to achieve flow and fill of mold cavities, and ensures excellent release while leaving the surface of the molded parts clean and ready for secondary processes like bonding, printing or stamping,” says Nancy Teufel, Axel’s technical support manager.

One manufacturer using glass-filled polyamide to produce paddle blades had difficulty filling the mold cavities and releasing the parts easily. Melt temperature was increased to help remedy the problem, but this resulted in discoloration of white and light-colored parts. As well, an external mold release was needed.

With the addition of 0.3% MoldWiz INT-38HM to the glass-filled nylon, the manufacturer was able to achieve excellent cavity fill, while reducing process temperature by 25C. Cycle time was reduced from 35 sec. to 27 sec. and no external mold release was needed.

Axel Plastics Research Laboratories 718-672-8300

PPS CAN NOW BE THERMOFORMED

Magee Plastics Co. has broken new ground in the use of polyphenylene sulfide by developing commercial procedures for pressure forming and vacuum forming PPS sheet. This work was based on the use of Ensinger/PennFibre’s 1/8-inch PPS sheet, which is made with Fortron PPS resins from Ticona.

The development process involved Fortron PPS unfilled, glass-filled and impact-improved thermoformable grades.

Magee Plastics has completed the first commercial thermoformed PPS end use, which involved elements for a defense-related application.

“We spent over a year learning to balance heat, time and pressure in forming PennFibre’s products,” says Sheridan Kelly, national sales manager at Magee Plastics.

Potential applications for thermoformed PPS include interior panels in airplanes and trains, and chemical tank liners.

Ticona 800-833-4882