Ultrapolymers, Augsburg, Germany, now includes in its product portfolio the plastomer Koattro KT AR05 from LyondellBasell, which can be processed direct or used as a modifier for polypropylene. Without crosslinking or added plasticizers, the material combines high elasticity (flexural strength 20 MPa) with a very good, constant compression set (42 % at 70°C) almost up to its melting point (elongation at break > 400 %). With a melt flow index of 0.5 g/10 min (190°C, 2.16 kg) and high melt stability, the plastomer can be processed into film, profile, hollow articles or injection moldings by all conventional thermoplastic processing techniques. Its low hardness of Shore A 77 ensures soft-touch surfaces with a pleasant feel. Modification of PP with Koattro KT AR05 considerably reduces its stress-whitening tendency.

In certain applications, the new plastomer can replace styrene block copolymers, which have a greater density and are difficult to recycle due to their crosslinked structure. Because the material is non-toxic and suitable for food contact, it offers great potential as seals for closure systems. Koattro KT AR05 is also very highly suitable for foaming. The result is, for example, highly flexible sheets with a density of 650 g/cm3 and a compression set of only 9.2 % at 23°C.

Besides significantly reducing stress whitening, Koattro, as a polypropylene modifier, also increases elongation at break, impact toughness, resilience and transparency. At the same time it reduces hardness and stiffness. In injection molded or thermoformed, highly transparent PP-copolymer packaging, Koattro significantly helps to maintain optical attractiveness even after rough handling during transport or on the store shelves. It offers similar advantages in flexible car parts that must be highly deformed for assembly.

The new KT AR05 grade is the first commercialized product of the new Koattro plastomer family from LyondellBasell. Others will follow, including a high-flow injection molding grade that is available for the first trial moldings. A highly transparent metallocene grade is under development.