Hungary’s MOL Group has developed a new grade of random copolymer polypropylene (PP) specifically tailored for extrusion blow molding (EBM) that reportedly offers excellent optical properties in terms of transparency and gloss. This development means PP can finally compete with PVC or PET when it comes to transparency in EBM applications according to MOL.

Modified with Milliken Chemical’s Millad NX 8000E clarifier, MOL’s resulting random copolymer — Tipplen R 665 XClear PP resin — also offers a fresher look, very low haze, a low yellowness index, and tunable aesthetics.

Tipplen R 665 XClear works on all types of EBM machines, including single-station shuttle, double-station shuttle and long-stroke EBM machines. And it is suitable for use in all types of bottles –– from detergents to cosmetics to food applications.

Millad NX 8000E has been designed specifically to provide a step change in optical properties with standard Ziegler-Natta PP EBM resins. It eliminates the “milky” appearance normally associated with PP in blow molding, and enables PP to replace more expensive, less functional, or difficult to process materials.

Milliken says it worked for several years with machine manufacturers, resin producers, converters and brand owners to optimize this EBM-specific additive, to ensure it delivered the desired properties without compromising transparency or machine production speeds.

The easy-to-recycle resin performed well in drop tests at 4°C for refrigerated applications and, MOL notes, its optical properties will not change even when used with 30% regrind material that is being reused from virgin Tipplen R 665 XClear scrap.

Additionally, MOL notes there is no need to use a mirror polished mold finish to achieve excellent gloss and clarity. This makes it easier to process and can help avoid challenges with air entrapment. The improved rheology of the grade, combined with the presence of the Millad NX 8000E clarifier, serves to overcome the inherent shear stress created during extrusion. The result is excellent optics, while maintaining the standard mechanical properties.