Materials News

Sabic to produce multi-wall PC in India and introduces HDPE for films

The Lexan Thermoclear-brand multiwall PC sheet is used for roofing and glazing in construction and greenhouse markets. Its high performance, aesthetics and design freedom have been demonstrated in major structures such as stadiums and rail stations, says the firm.

Taking two years to finish, the facility will feature world-class quality assurance processes, including a UV-protective coating system as well as cap layer measurement and colour measurement systems. The plant is strategically located next to Sabic's speciality and performance plastics compounding lines to drive rapid application development and custom colour options.

In other news, Sabic announced that it is enabling the production of quality think blown film with the introduction of its latest bimodal HDPE. Available in two grades - HDPE FI0644 and HDPE FI1157 - the materials have high molecular weight and a broad molecular weight distribution.

These characteristics translate into a good processability that minimises disruptions during film production, combined with good mechanical properties in the blown film. The low gel levels lead to consistent film production and a smooth film surface. Film makers can achieve acceptable gauge tolerances at very low thicknesses. As an added bonus, both grades can be processed at temperatures around 10% lower than a typical HDPE grade.

The HDPE FI1157 can be typically used for the production of lamination films, release films, inliners, labels and artificial paper. Converters will be able to increase the efficiency and performance of their operations by using significantly less material while still producing film with adequate stiffness and strength. Furthermore, films have an impact resistance around 20% higher than films made from a typically common HDPE grade.

HDPE FI0644 is typically designed for applications which require extra strength. Films have impact resistance at least 15% higher than those obtained with a typically common HDPE grade. Typical target applications are heavy duty bags, inliners, meat bags, grocery sacks and carrier bags.