New elastomers as solutions for compounders

The unique properties of elastomers have attracted more manufacturers to embark on R&D, and pilot testing to explore new territories as far as elastomeric applications are concerned. Vistamaxx specialty elastomers, developed by ExxonMobil Chemical Co., enable compounders and dry blending converters to develop innovative, new polymer compound solutions with specific properties. These elastomers are being used as a minority blend partner to produce rigid thermoplastic olefins (TPOs), soft thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and transparent compounds or polymer blends, where there is a need for improved toughness, impact strength, flexibility, elasticity, clarity, reduced stress whitening or weight reductions. Flexible integration Such specialty elastomers can be processed in many ways including cast film, blown film, extrusion coating, meltblown nonwoven, spunbond nonwoven and injection molding. The ease of processing and compatibility with many polymers allow manufacturers to use them in various innovative market applications. Vistamaxx specialty elastomers and resins, designed for flexible and rigid food packaging applications, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Food Contact Notification process. These grades, used in compounding and films, comply with the compositional requirements of the EU-Directive 2002/72/ EC when used in food processing. Based on ExxonMobil Chemicals proprietary Exxpol metallocene technology, these elastomers and resins provide a unique combination of sealability, adhesion, elasticity, flexibility, clarity and toughness. Food packaging applications can take advantage of Vistamaxx resins' outstanding film sealing performance with its broad compatibility, very low seal initiation temperature and high hot-tack. Typical applications for these specialty elastomers include food containers, kitchen tools and utensils, and toys. As Vistamaxx polymers improve flexibility and impact resistance without affecting tensile strength, they can help prevent cracking in these types of applications. Enhanced properties stressed The molecular structure of Vistamaxx specialty elastomers is the result of a specially controlled metallocene solution polymerisation process. This structure allows the formation of a special semi-crystalline polyolefin morphology that provides true elasticity in a polyolefin, softness, toughness in a polyolefin, transparency and colourability and excellent adhesion to PP and mPE. "With Vistamaxx, we have responded to the needs of customers who are either looking to add flexibility and strength to their food contact products or improve food packaging seals." - William Ramsey, Vistamaxx's global market development manager, ExxonMobil Chemical Highlighting excellent compatibility with both polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), Vistamaxx elastomers and resins are good blend partners. They can partially replace a variety of polymers including styrene block co-polymers and polyisobutylene, reducing compound cost and enhancing performance. The elastic properties of such elastomers are a result of a predominantly amorphous ethylene propylene (EP) matrix laced with a network of fine, well dispersed isotactic PP crystallites. These deliver elasticity, flexibility and impact toughness while maintaining clarity in PP random copolymer (RCP) and PP homopolymer (hPP) blends. A compound of Vistamaxx specialty elastomers and RCP or hPP has physical properties that vary greatly depending on elastomer concentration. The compound becomes more flexible with increasing levels of the elastomer. Tensile strength initially has a steep drop when the elastomer is added, because of the decrease in blend crystallinity. Conversely, there is a steep increase in elongation at break when the elastomer content is above 30%Gifts for Runners