Biodiesel fuels used in Europe are substantially more acidic than standard diesel fuels. With this in mind, Ticona developed an acetal copolymer that can withstand sustained exposure to these fuels up to 100C. Hostaform C13031 XF, newly introduced to North America, proved stable in aging tests of 1000 hours at 100C with biodiesel fuels. Its improved elongation at break (around 40 percent) gives it high impact and crash resistance, say company sources.

Intended for use in emission control valves, tank-mounted valves, and fuel sender units in cars and light trucks, Hostaform is being presented as a low-cost alternative to more expensive engineering resins such as polyphenylene sulfide; however, no price was provided.

A separate offering from Ticona is aimed at the fiber-optic connector market. Fortron 8670A61 linear polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) compound is said to provide better flow and superior dimensional stability than comparable thermoplastics and thermosets. Customer trials demonstrated faster cycles as well, molding up to 30 percent faster than amorphous engineering plastics such as polyethersulfone (PES) and polyetherimide (PEI), and up to 40 percent faster than thermosets.

Molders can also use relatively low injection pressures to mold intricate features as fine as 125 µm, and runners reportedly are reduced by more than 50 percent compared to more viscous materials. Low and isotropic mold shrinkage, low and uniform coefficient of thermal expansion (up to 33 percent better than other Fortran grades), and minimal moisture uptake (as much as 96 percent less absorption than PES, PEI, and thermosets) are among its other properties. Initial pricing is $13 to $20/lb.

Ticona
Summit, NJ
Phone: (800) 833-4882
www.ticona.com