Answering a need in the automotive industry, GE Plastics recently introduced a new alloy line, Noryl PPX. Four grades?two unreinforced and two reinforced?are available now, which GE sources say bridge the gap between the good flow and chemical resistance of high-end polyolefins, glass-reinforced nylon, and polypropylene, and the high heat resistance, better creep, and scratch resistance of engineered plastics.

The manufacturer says this balancing act was accomplished by combining previously incompatible particles of polyphenylene ether with a base polypropylene. As a result, the new alloys offer high melt flow for thin-wall bumper fascia, and the dimensional stability and chemical resistance needed in front-end modules, says Keith DuPont, product manager for GE.

The two unreinforced grades, PPX7110 and PPX7125, have been targeted for bumper fascia and underhood components. Both reportedly offer 30 to 50 percent greater modulus than TPO: 7110 has a flex modulus of 235,000 psi and impact strength of 246 inch-lb at ?30C; 7125 has a flex modulus of 194,000 psi and impact strength of 331 inch-lb at ?30C. These grades are paintable using plasma and flame-treating paint systems and provide the necessary stiffness for thin-wall applications.

Designed for front-end modules, seat backs, load decks, and underhood components, PPX630 and PPX640 contain 30 and 40 percent glass loading, respectively, and provide both high elongation and long-term heat resistance and stiffness, according to GE.

Additional Noryl PPX grades currently in development will be aimed at instrument panels, wheel covers, and spoilers. Other industries targeted for the alloy line include food service, power tools, and fluid engineering. Noryl PPX costs between $1.20 and $1.80/lb for automotive applications.

GE Plastics
Pittsfield, MA
Phone: (800) 845-0600
www.geplastics.com