Polyethylene resins perform without additives

A Sterigenics International, Advanced Applications product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 7, 2004

A new family of preprocessed polyethylene resins are formulated to provide improved physical properties without the use of chemical crosslinking agents.

A new family of preprocessed polyethylene resins called Raprex are formulated to provide improved physical properties without the use of chemical crosslinking agents.

They offer superior mechanical properties, enhanced design flexibility, reusability, recyclability and reduced cost.

According to Raprex Product Manager George Forczek: "Prior to the introduction of these new resins, the preferred way to improve the physical properties of formed polymer products was to utilise chemicals which imparted a high degree of cross linking.

The problem with chemical crosslinking, however, is that it ultimately limits the processability and recyclability of the resin in the conversion process.

In other words, parts in final form are not recyclable".

With Raprex resins, however, there is no need for chemical additives.

The crosslinking effect is achieved prior to forming the finished parts through radiation processing of the base PE resin.

"Because the crosslinking effect takes place primarily in the amorphous region of the polymer, the result is an inhomogeneous crosslink distribution in the polymer", explains Forczek.

"This results in parts that are higher in mechanical properties than their unmodified versions, plus they also are fully recyclable".

Preprocessing of the base PE resin is achieved through a controlled ionising radiation process as well as other proprietary processes.

"It works equally well with high density, low density and linear low density polyethylene resins", adds Forczek.

Raprex resins are available in three grades for a wide variety of applications.

Extrusion grade Raprex 100 is used for pipe, tubing, containers, and profiles; injection moulding grade Raprex 200 is used for tote bins, pump housings, industrial clamps, and luggage handles; film grade Raprex 300 is used for steel pipe sleeves, greenhouse film, and timber pole sleeves.

Additional applications include bubble packaging and bag applications.

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