Seeking Scratch Resistant Technology for Talc Filled and Neat Polyolefins

A leading manufacturer of industrial parts is looking for a technology increasing durably the scratch resistance for polyolefin thermoplastics, eliminating the need for paint and the related health and environmental issues.

Polyolefins are low in cost but unfortunately they have a soft surface that scratches easily.

Alternatives are higher end polymers such as polyamides (PA) or styrene based polymers (ABS) that are molded in color and/or painted. But such alternatives are not economically sustainable.

As the SpecialChem Client consumptions of polypropylene is in the range of 10 million lbs/month (more than 4,000 tons per month), the business potential for a relevant technology is really huge.

The solution sought by the SpecialChem Client must:

• Migrates to the surface during the injection molding process to create a hard surface that is resistant to scratches or that repairs scratches with no intervention
• Creates a hard surface that meets scratch requirements that are as high as 20N with a Delta in lightness change of However, typical warranty terms are 3 to 5 years
• Improve the scratch resistance of mineral filled polyolefins
• Withstands high end of polyolefin processing temperatures ~440F (227°C) without sticking to the injection molding equipment/tooling.
• Be compounded into the SpecialChem Client polyolefin formulations or added at the injection molding press in the form of a masterbatch
• Not produce gases that require special venting
• Not volatize VOCs with an odor or that are a substance that is a health concern
• Be lower in cost than if you were to paint the surface.

The SpecialChem Client is looking for a technology that is not increasing weight of polyolefins.

Magnesium Oxysulfate could be explored.

The SpecialChem Client is not interested rubber or silicone based technology. Technology adding weight are not of interest.

The SpecialChem Client is willing to adopt an effective technology as soon as possible.

The SpecialChem Client would consider adapting its injection molding process for a good solution.