Celanese to expand GUR UHMWPE capacity in Texas, US

12-Jan-16

Global technology and specialty materials company Celanese is planning to expand GUR ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) production capacity at its Bishop facility in Texas. The expansion, which will increase the GUR UHMWPE's manufacturing capacity to 38 kilotons per annum at the facility, is expected to be completed by May this 2016. With the proposed expansion, the company will produce two new medical GUR grades for the pharmaceutical sector and serve customer applications such as filtering, purification of liquid drug formulations, as well as mechanical devices used in drug contact and delivery purposes. "Compared to standard polyethylene (PE), Celanese's GUR UHMWPE is a linear PE with a much higher molecular weight." The company will use its expertise to develop the new products as per the pharmaceutical regulations. Celanese Materials Solutions president Scott Sutton said: "Increasing production capacity at our Bishop facility will enable Celanese to expand our reach, support a growing and diverse customer base, and respond to increasing consumer needs for materials in high-value lithium-ion battery, medical and pharmaceutical, and filtration applications. "With this expansion, Celanese strengthens its position as the world's leading producer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, with the broadest portfolio of grades among any of our competitors." Compared to standard polyethylene (PE), Celanese's GUR UHMWPE is a linear PE with a much higher molecular weight. The product, which is claimed to be eight times lighter than steel, offers high abrasion resistance, impact strength, non-sticking and self-lubricating properties. Because of its high molecular weight, a particular process has been used to produce GUR UHMWPE as a powder. In the semi-finished industry, the production includes a compression molding and ram extrusion processes that combine the particles together by generating high pressures. The GUR UHMWPE grades are used in orthopedic implants, water and air filtration, battery separators, fibres, additives and membranes sector. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union regulators have approved GUR UHMWPE premium grades for use in orthopedic implants.