Higher-clarity olefin challenges PC

Apparently, polycarbonate is under attack from a number of competing materials, several of which have been introduced in the past year. LyondellBasell (Rotterdam, Netherlands and Wilmington, DE) announced the global launch of the newest competitor, a metallocene-based polyolefin copolymer called RM2073 that promises extreme clarity as a cost-effective substitute for PC in injection molding applications. According to company sources, it can also replace other amorphous, transparent polymers such as PMMA or SAN.

“Using this grade, injection molders can achieve 2% haze in a 1-mm-thick plaque. Transparency at that level can now be compared to PC and other engineering polymers that deliver glass-like clarity. This performance opens the door for a variety of new opportunities,” says Amit Gupta, LyondellBasell’s global marketing manager for the new grade.

Produced using LyondellBasell’s proprietary single-site catalyst technology, the material also offers high melt flow (40 g/10 min) for shorter cycle times and reduced wall thicknesses.

This grade is also said to offer better environmental stress crack resistance when compared to PC, and requires lower processing temperatures, which may reduce energy costs. Targeted applications include food and beverage packaging, foodservice trays/covers, drinking cups/pitchers, storage containers, CD/DVD cases, and technical products such as medical devices.

LyondellBasell
www.lyondellbasell.com