Borstar® Nucleation
Technology

What does Borstar® Nucleation Technology stand for?

Based on its proprietary Borstar® technology, Borealis has developed a nucleating approach resulting from its own research - Borstar Nucleation Technology. The nucleating effect of Borstar Nucleation Technology is obtained in the polymerisation reactor (in situ) during the manufacture of polypropylene (PP). This is in contrast to the standard approach of adding a nucleating agent during pelletisation. Borstar Nucleation Technology has a number of advantages compared with conventional nucleation:

• stronger nucleation effect
• consistent and better dispersion of the nucleating agent
• inert and thereby no reaction with other additives such as colour master batches
• low taste and odour
• full compliance with food contact regulations

Scope of Borstar® Nucleation Technology

Borstar Nucleation Technology based PP demonstrates benefits in a range of applications. Important among these are Borealis' portfolio of high performance PP homopolymers and heterophasic polymers for thin wall packaging, automotive, and sewage pipe segments.

The improved stiffness of Borstar Nucleation Technology materials allows for lower wall thicknesses, enabling downgauging of the end product. And, combined with the potential for cycle time and energy reduction, the unique technology allows for smaller carbon and water footprints throughout the value chain.

Why Borstar® Nucleation Technology?

Borstar Nucleation Technology advantages transfer into benefits for converters and enable sustainability. The nucleating effect results in higher crystallisation temperature, faster completion of the crystallisation process and fine spherulitic superstructure. Benefits of Borstar Nucleation Technology based PP solutions for converters include:

• increased stiffness without negatively affecting the drop impact resistance, thus enabling downgauging and thereby material savings
• up to a 10% reduction in energy consumption through the possibility of reducing the extruder temperature (depending on the equipment at the converter)
• 10-20% cycle time reduction (mainly through reduction of cooling time and easier demoulding due to faster crystallisation)
• limited impact of colouring on dimensional stability which allows fast colour change during production without the need to change process parameters