Two new polyethylene resins for rotomolding introduced

NOVA Chemicals is introducing two new grades of polyethylene for rotationally molding large parts. NOVAPOL TR-0242-U/UG, a high density, hexene copolymer, provides the durability and stiffness required for rotationally molding large tanks while processing as easily as other rotomolding resins with similar melt indices.

TR-0242-U/UG has a melt index of 1.8 g/10 minutes, a density of 0.942 g/cm3, environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR) of over 1000 hours, a flexural modulus of 140,700 psi (970 MPa) at one-percent secant and an ARM low-temperature impact resistance of 60 ft-lbs. (81 J). This combination of properties produces parts with stiffer, stronger walls of equivalent thickness or thinner walls with equivalent strength. The ESCR performance of this grade makes it suitable for applications that will contain aggressive chemicals for extended periods of time and still maintain the physical properties of the resin.

Nova Chemical's St. Clair River plant, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

"This resin is unique in that it's designed specifically for molding exceptionally large parts," says Rod Gonzales, marketing manager, NOVA Chemicals. "We're seeing water tanks manufactured that hold upwards of 10,000 gallons, including tanks for the containment of aggressive chemicals. Our resin is designed to meet the product performance and processing demands of these applications."

TR-0242-U/UG is characterized by a wide processing window and no sticking to the mold. With its high stiffness, excellent ESCR and strength, this product can be substituted for cross-linked polyethylene, fiberglass, steel and concrete in parts such as large agricultural and chemical storage containers and water tanks, and also for boats, kayaks and canoes.

NOVAPOL TR-0338-UI/UIG, a medium density, hexene copolymer, can be processed at faster cycle times than TR-0242, has similar ESCR performance and low-temperature impact resistance but less stiffness. This new and improved version of TR-0338 has a melt index of 3.5 g/10 minutes, a density of 0.938 g/cm3, ESCR of over 1000 hours and an ARM low-temperature impact resistance of 50 ft-lbs. (70 J). This combination of properties makes TR-0338-UI/UIG a versatile, multi-use product well suited for small-to-medium-sized agricultural and chemical tanks, intermediate bulk containers, fish boxes and septic tanks.

Both of these products exhibit the whiteness of NOVA Chemicals other rotomolding resins, offer high quality, lot-to-lot consistency and are available globally.

NOVA Chemicals Corporation is a focused commodity chemical company, producing olefins/polyolefins and styrenics at 18 locations in the United States, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

SOURCE: NOVA Chemicals