Polypropylenes (PP) require impact modification to lift low temperature impact performance of the PP to a usable level for the automotive industry, among others. These compounds are referred to as TPOs. TPOs are physical mixtures, or blends, of a semi-crystalline polyolefin (mostly PP) with amorphous elastomeric polymers (such as polyolefin elastomers: POE) to improve low temperature impact performance of the PP. TPOs are produced by melt-blending the PP and elastomer components, most often by using the twin screw mixer. The automotive industry is the largest end user of TPO - mainly in exterior components.
Until now, customers in the automotive industry have experienced limited choice due to the few suppliers of the lowest density elastomer ideal for this type of modification, and even fewer with local European production. This sort of temperature sensitive material is best produced and supplied locally to prevent the material arriving at the converter’s premises fused together, no longer as free flowing granules. Converters without access to the best-in-class impact block-PP need this type of elastomer to produce TPOs with benchmark performance.
Queo™ 6201LA-P, the new polyolefin elastomer (POE) from Borealis, solves these issues. With a density of 862kg/m3, it has the softness and flexibility required for TPO production, producing amorphous structures able to withstand abuse at low temperatures. It is an excellent impact modifier with minimal antioxidants by design, enabling customers to conduct their own mixing and create their own recipes. Queo™ 6201LA-P is protected with talcum powdering to ensure the free flowing of granules in transport and warehousing. This reduces the risk of fusing – a common issue that forces customers to take costly counter measures.
Want to know more about the benefits of Queo 6201LA-P and applications it can be used in?
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Any further questions? Then please reach out to:
Edwin Verdurmen, Application Marketing Manager Concentrates and Polymer Modifiers
Email: edwin.verdurmen@borealisgroup.com
