Next-Generation Catalyst and Additive Technologies from W. R. Grace and Milliken Combine to Deliver Exceptional Results to PP Producers
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – W. R. Grace Co. and Milliken Company today announced that their advanced technologies, used synergistically, are enabling polypropylene (PP) manufacturers to develop new and differentiated resin portfolios featuring enhanced clarity, cleanliness, processability and mechanical performance.
Grace's CONSISTA® C601 PP catalyst, the first sixth-generation non-phthalate-based catalyst and a drop-in solution for the widely used UNIPOL® PP process, enhances performance and processing of homopolymers, random copolymers and impact copolymers. With random copolymers made from CONSISTA® catalysts combined with Milliken's next-generation Millad® NX™ 8000 clarifier, customers can achieve additional benefits including glass-like transparency and faster cycle times.
"Combining our CONSISTA® catalyst with Milliken's innovative additives yields results that are much more than the sum of these two technologies," said Ella Chen, UNIPOL® PP Licensing global market director. "Together, our solutions address a broad spectrum of resin manufacturers' requirements, from higher melt flow to lower-temperature processing for cycle time reduction. Major manufacturers are already taking full advantage of the synergies between our two offerings to produce new polypropylene grades that target consumer demand for clarity, safety and sustainability. This collaboration is another example of our longstanding, successful partnership with Milliken."
Several UNIPOL® PP process licensees are leveraging the Grace and Milliken technologies to produce resins that meet the stringent requirements of their customers.
CONSISTA® C601 catalyst imparts a market-leading balance of impact and stiffness to enable lightweight, thin-wall designs. The technology enables the production of random copolymers with improved taste and odor performance for food contact applications. The CONSISTA® catalyst enables
faster cycle times by increasing melt flow rates, while its broader molecular weight distribution improves the mechanical and processing attributes for a variety of applications.
When new generation Millad NX 8000 clarifier and CONSISTA® catalyst are combined in random copolymers with a high melt flow rate (MFR), they enable up to a 36 percent reduction in haze over previous generations to provide a high transparency, bright appearance and high gloss in molded parts. Simultaneously, the Milliken additive also allows PP to be processed at significantly lower temperatures of 190C to 200C, a reduction of up to 40 degrees compared to less-advanced clarifiers. These cooler temperatures shorten cooling times and increase productivity by facilitating mold release.
Another combined benefit of the Grace and Milliken technologies is enhanced sustainability.
"Grace's technologies set the standard for polypropylene catalyst innovation and we are pleased that our next-generation clarifying agent adds significant value," said Wim Van de Velde, global marketing director, Milliken & Company. "By adding our Millad NX 8000 to resins catalyzed with CONSISTA® catalyst, manufacturers can gain even greater aesthetic, processing and performance advantages."
About Grace
Built on talent, technology, and trust, Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts; engineered and packaging materials; and specialty construction chemicals and building materials. The company's three industry-leading business segments—Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies, and Grace Construction Products—provide innovative products, technologies, and services that improve the products and processes of our customer partners in over 150 countries around the world. Grace employs approximately 6,500 people in over 40 countries and had 2013 net sales of $3.1 billion. More information about Grace is available at grace.com.
About Milliken
Milliken is an innovation company that has been exploring, discovering, and creating ways to enhance people's lives since 1865. Working from our laboratories, application and development centers around the world, our scientists and engineers create coatings, specialty chemicals, and advanced additive and colorant technologies that transform the way we experience products from automotive plastics to children's art supplies. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines that also includes floor covering and performance materials, the people of Milliken work every day to add true value to people's lives, improve health and safety, and make this world more sustainable. For more information,visit www.millikenchemical.com or www.milliken.com.
Millad is a registered trademark of Milliken & Company.
NX is a trademark of Milliken & Company.
GRACE® and CONSISTA® are trademarks, registered in the United States and/or other countries, of W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
UNIPOL® is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company or an affiliated company of Dow.
W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. and/or its affiliates are licensed to use the UNIPOL® trademark in the area of polypropylene.
W. R. Grace & Co. and Milliken & Company today announced that their advanced technologies, used synergistically, are enabling polypropylene (PP) manufacturers to develop new and differentiated resin portfolios featuring enhanced clarity, cleanliness, processability and mechanical performance. Grace's CONSISTA® C601 PP catalyst, the first sixth-generation non-phthalate-based catalyst and a drop-in solution for the widely used UNIPOL® PP process, enhances performance and processing of homopolymers, random copolymers and impact copolymers. With random copolymers made from CONSISTA® catalysts combined with Milliken's next-generation Millad® NX™ 8000 clarifier, customers can achieve additional benefits including glass-like transparency and faster cycle times.
Millad is a registered trademark of Milliken & Company.
NX is a trademark of Milliken & Company.
GRACE® and CONSISTA® are trademarks, registered in the United States and/or other countries, of W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
UNIPOL®
is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company or an affiliated company of Dow. W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. and/or its affiliates are licensed to use the UNIPOL® trademark in the area of polypropylene.
Media Contact
Wim Van de Velde
Milliken & Company
wim.vandevelde@milliken.com
+1 864-503-6047
