SABIC® LDPE Ultra Melt Strength pushes the limits
Polyethylene (PE) foam is widely used to secure and protect things that matter. The combination of the high insulation capacity and excellent shock absorbing capability makes PE foam the product of choice for reducing energy usage and minimizing packaging material. We fully understand the challenges of putting less stress on our environment. Our latest SABIC® LDPE Ultra Melt Strength line is the living proof of lasting solutions in PE.
SABIC® LDPE Ultra Melt Strength
The SABIC® LDPE Ultra Melt Strength grades offer the possibility to lower the density of foam considerably while maintaining the same mechanical properties and improving the thermal performance. The SABIC® LDPE UMS line offers moreover manufacturing advantages. “Our SABIC® LDPE UMS line is less temperature-sensitive, which creates a wider operating window for machine temperatures” comments Technical Marketing Engineer Léon Nelissen. “This combination of properties results in noticeably material and energy savings – which is attractive to companies and end-consumers who want to improve their sustainability performance.”
Solutions that last
The SABIC® LDPE UMS line could prove to be the long-term material of choice for many. In foam sheeting, SABIC® LDPE 2202 UMS results in less corrugation--unwanted ‘waves’ in the final product that make it more difficult to work with, which is especially beneficial in construction materials. SABIC® LDPE 1905 UMS is applied in foamed sealing applications, improving the sealing and mechanical behavior of the end product. Both grades are produced on SABIC’s state-of-the-art PE tubular production technology which means that SABIC can provide customers with a long-term security in supply. Patents for Ultra Melt Strength are pending.
Future opportunities
Newer Ultra Melt Strength grades made from polypropylene (PP) are in development, says John Krist, Material Development Engineer. “We expect the Ultra Melt Strength family to grow further,” says Krist. “We are continually looking for new opportunities and closely working together with universities, machine manufacturers and customers. This is possible only when you take an active role in the market.”
