PP offers lower density, aesthetics similar to ABS

Polymer producer Borealis used this year’s Plast ’09 in Milan, Italy, to introduce a polypropylene (PP) grade for the white goods and appliance industry that is claimed to offer a similar high gloss to that of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) but at reduced injection molding cycle times (by as much as 6%) and energy savings for the processor. Borcom BG055AI targets aesthetic parts used in dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers. This PP microcomposite has high flow, lower density (0.92 kg/m3) compared to ABS that is traditionally used, and contains up to 10% microscale fillers. In addition to high-gloss appearance, parts processed from the material have good impact resistance and stiffness. —[email protected]