Ultrapolymers: New modifiers for impact, flame retardant and gas barrier

Impact modification and additional supply source

The reactive ethylene terpolymer "Lotader AX8900T" will in future be manufactured in a tube reactor in Balan, France. The previous type "Lotader AX8900" comes from an autoclave reactor in Carling. Both types have identical comonomer components as well as a comparable melt viscosity and similar mechanical traits. The divergent polymer morphology of the new type results in a higher melting point and slightly higher impact strength, according to the manufacturer. Due to the similar traits, the variants are interchangeable in many applications. The two production sites can secure the supply.

Possible areas of consumption include PBT, PET, PPS as well as PC/PBT and PC/ABS blends, each as new or recycled material. In addition, the modifiers are suitable to the compatibility of polyester-polyolefin mixtures and as a hydrolysis protection. According to the manufacturer, they are compatible with LDPE in all mixing ratios as well as with numerous ethylene copolymers. In addition, they adhere to PET, PBT, PPS, metal, paper and glass fibers.

Adhesiants to halogen-free flame retardant compounds

"Orovac 18343" is a low density linear polyethylene (LLDPE) grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH). The adhesion promoter is intended to enhance the connection between the plastic matrix and mineral flame retardants such as aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide. At the same time, it supports the distribution of the fillers in the compound. This is to enhance the mechanical traits of highly filled, halogen-free flame-resistant formulations (HFFR) even after aquatic environments storage. According to the technical data sheet, the MAH content is over 1 percent, the melting point at 121 ° C.

The manufacturer names cable insulation and cable sheathing as well as aluminum composite panels to facades as fields of consumption. The suitability to the respective standards to fire behavior and smoke research must be checked on the end product.

Reduced EVOH content to films with gaseous barrier

The EVOH type "Evasin 2951F" serves as an oxygen barrier connected in foils, especially to food packaging. It has an ethylene content of 29 mol percent. Due to the increased vinyl alcohol content compared to other EVOH types, a thinner barrier layer can be applied with the same barrier performance.

Multi-layer structures with PE or PP top layers and an "Orovac" series adhesion promoter are planned. to the processing of recyclates from PE/EVOH foils, SK Functional Polymer also names the compatibility device "Lotader 4210".

This is relevant with a view to the EU regulation on packaging and packaging discarded materials (PPWR). In principle, it provides to a minimum recyclability assessment of 70 percent to packaging from 2030 according to the criteria of level C; the date of consumption might depend on the entry into force of the associated delegated acts. The 5 percent limit frequently mentioned in the discussion about mono-material packaging concerns the definition of composite packaging. It does not represent a blanket approval to third-party materials and no automatic proof of recyclability. This must be evaluated to the respective film construction according to the relevant criteria.

Fakuma 2026, Friedrichshafen, 12–16. October 2026, Hall A5, Stand 5211