Materials: Stabilizers protect polyurethane

Polyurethane integral skin foam components may benefit from two high-performance liquid thermal and light stabilizer blends introduced by Great Lakes Chemical. Lowilite UV B1260 and Lowilite UV B1211 offer effective protection to polyurethane applications that suffer from color degradation due to extended exposure to heat and light.

The low viscosity liquid properties of these Lowilite blends make them an excellent choice for use with common polyolefins in polyurethane applications. Lowilite UV B1260 is recommended for applications with standard low fogging and thermal stability requirements, and is especially suited for use where exceptional UV protection is required.

Lowilite UV B1211 is particularly effective for interior automotive applications due to its very low fogging properties, excellent thermal protection and good UV performance.

Great Lakes Chemical Corp. 765-497-6100

UV stabilizer extends life of polyolefins

According to Cytec, its new Cyasorb THT light stabilizers provide increased efficiency and service life when used at comparable or lower loadings than current HALS and HALS/UVA combinations.

Based on proprietary triazine hindered amine light stabilizers, Cyasorb THT products enhance long-term stabilization for polyolefins, polyamides, thermoplastic olefins (TPOs), thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and a variety of other polymers.

The stabilizers are FDA sanctioned for food contact, have low volatility, and resist discoloration and gas fade.

Cytec Canada Inc. 800-652-6013

Blow moldable PPS

Ticona has introduced a blow-moldable grade of linear polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), a resin normally associated with injection molding. The 15 percent glass-filled grade, Fortron PPS SKX-375, could be used for hollow components in the auto, furnace and other markets.

Peter Radden, a Fortron business specialist based in Europe, says, “Its use in demanding blow-molded parts makes a lot of sense. For instance, it has much better temperature and chemical resistance than nylon.”

Potential applications for Fortron PPS SKX-375 include hot-side, air induction ducts for auto turbo-diesel engines, auto engine cooling ducts and residential furnace ducts.

The turbo-diesel opportunity rests on the new emission standards for model year 2004 autos that will raise air induction duct temperatures to near or above 200C. At such temperatures, the new blow-moldable PPS grade should become more viable than 15 percent glass-reinforced nylons. Similarly, the shift to chemically aggressive, long-life auto engine coolants favors the use of PPS.

Fortron PPS SKX-375 is based on proprietary technology that gives it the melt strength and viscosity needed for conventional blow molding equipment.

Ticona 908-598-4209