New high-performance HDPE resins for diversified rotomolding applications

04-Sep-09

A new high-performance range of Lupolen high density polyethylene (HDPE) resins to address the diversified requirements of customer rotomolding applications has been introduced by LyondellBasell Industries. Produced using LyondellBasell's Lupotech G low pressure gas phase process technology which employs a unique catalysis system, Lupolen GX 5002 and Lupolen GX 5003 resins achieve excellent cold temperature impact and environmental stress cracking resistance. Typical customer applications may include industrial storage tanks, containers, intermediate bulk containers, furniture, and playground and sporting equipment. With a combination of good impact/stiffness balance and low temperature impact down to -30°C applications produced with these resins can withstand harsh transport conditions in cold weather. Lupolen GX 5002 resin can be considered by customers for use in the production of tanks and large containers; it outperforms other polyethylene resins particularly in terms of environmental stress cracking resistance. Full Notch Creep Test (FNCT) results showed that Lupolen GX 5002 resins performed better than competitive resins. With similar advantages in mechanical properties and a melt flow rate of 7.5 g/10 min, Lupolen GX 5003 can be considered by customers for use in a variety of complex parts such as containers, crates, marine equipment, outdoor furniture, and leisure and playground equipment. Due to their elevated fluidity, the resins offer converters the potential to improve processing conditions compared to conventional materials.With the launch of the new resins, LyondellBasell is expanding the performance envelope of HDPE used in rotomolding applications. "A higher melt flow rate and improved stiffness enable converters to address thin-wall design and lightweight part requirements. In addition, the increased density combined with a high environmental stress cracking resistance can increase the creep stress level of polyethylene, which is particularly important for large rotationally molded containers and tank applications typically exposed to internal pressure during storage.