LyondellBasell (Rotterdam, Netherlands) has launched two new pre-colored rotational molding resins that provide good cold-temperature impact performance and environmental stress-cracking resistance. The Lupolen 3621 M RM Black and Lupolen 4021 K RM Black high-density polyethylene (HDPE) compounds are suited for industrial fuel tanks, technical parts, and underground waste and sewage systems. The company noted that next to natural, black is the most commonly used color in rotomolding applications. LyondellBasell says the materials offer a combination of impact/stiffness properties, with low-temperature impact performance down to -30°C. Given that, applications produced with these resins should be able to withstand harsh transport conditions in cold weather.

The company noted that customer trials with the grades showed that the new materials were able to retain the mechanical properties of its previously launched rotomolding grades, with the new grades outperforming standard PE resins in environmental stress-cracking resistance. Strong Full Notch Creep Test (FNCT) results mean the grades could be considered for tanks and large containers. Based on tests conducted for the institute for constructional engineering in Germany (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik), LyondellBasell believes the new grades' properties offer the potential to reduce wall thickness and minimize cracks and damage to final parts. Both resins are globally available in powder and pellet forms. —[email protected]