High performing HDPE healthcare grade for large containers

11-Oct-12

A grade of high density polyethylene (HDPE) intended to meet the demands typically required of large containers used in healthcare applications has been developed by SABIC in close cooperation with Mauser, a well-known supplier of blow moulded industrial packaging solutions,. SABIC® HDPE PCG4906 specifications may be applicable for such products as jerry cans, open-head and tight-head drums, and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), as well as for blow moulded bottles. The relevant European and American pharmacopeia requirements are met by SABIC® HDPE PCG4906. Furthermore, it has the physical and mechanical properties required by customers for the production of containers with volumes up to 1000 litres. The first drums produced by Mauser in the new grade meet requirements based on UN recommendations covering transport of dangerous goods. Procedures involve stacking, drop tests at -18°C, and hydraulic internal pressure tests. SABIC® HDPE PCG4906 has a melt flow rate of 6 g/10 min (190°C, 21.6 kg), a notched Izod impact strength of 17 kJ/m2 at -30°C, and an ESCR of 30 MPa (Strain Hardening). The rigid part of the drum’s sealing cap is also made of the new SABIC® HDPE PCG4906. The sealing ring moreover is produced with SABIC® LDPE PCG02, which offers flexibility during seal assembling in combination with a high level of purity. SABIC already has healthcare grades of HDPE designed for production of smaller blow moulded and injection moulded containers. These grades, which carry the PCG classification, offer good processing behaviour and stability, as well as a good stiffness/ESCR balance. Sevriens says that SABIC aims to be the preferred company that offers customers a grade designed for large containers that also meets the high requirements demanded by healthcare specifiers. “Several grades already exist in the market for industrial applications, but this is the only one especially dedicated to pharma applications,” he says. “We expect this development to establish SABIC as the key supplier for big container resins for the pharma market.” “With the new grade, SABIC is expanding its portfolio of healthcare thermoplastics to cover all types of packaging used in the sector,” says Hery Randrianantoandro, Business Development Manager Healthcare, SABIC, region Europe. “Mauser was very receptive to the idea of collaborating on the project, they share our vision for developing the blown container market.”