Films are suited for demanding rubber applications.

Press Release Summary:



GUR® ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), is converted into films that are suited for use in hose, conveyor belt, and rubber profile applications. Abrasion- and chemically resistant films exhibit low coefficient of friction and zero water absorption. Available in electrically conductive and non-conductive grades, products conform to regulations required for use in food contact. UV-resistant versions are also available.



Original Press Release:



Films from Ticona GUR® Polymer for Demanding Rubber Applications



UHMW-PE Products Provide Exceptional Abrasion and Chemical Resistance

Kelsterbach, Germany; Summit, New Jersey, Oct. 16, 2003 - Ticona's GUR® ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), best known for use in highly stressed machine parts or filter technology parts, is also converted into extremely thin, high performance films. These films provide outstanding service in hose, conveyor belt, and rubber profile applications.

Thin films made from GUR® UHMW-PE improve surface properties for numerous rubber products without compromising the many advantages of rubber. By adding a GUR® polymer surface layer to a rubber product, its properties are dramatically enhanced. Due to its high degree of polymerization, GUR® UHMW-PE displays exceptional impact strength and abrasion resistance (often exceeding that of steel) and extremely low coefficient of friction. With GUR®, water absorption is effectively zero. This material is also highly resistant to chemicals such as acids, alkalis and aggressive gases.

GUR® UHMW-PE is available in electrically conductive and non-conductive grades. The conductive grades furnish static dissipation that is critical in chemical hose, refuse-sorting conveyor belts, and other applications. It is also used in films of various colors for a variety of food industry uses. The pigments, e.g., white, blue, yellow, or red, like GUR® itself, are provided by Ticona and assure conformance to regulations required for use in food contact. UV resistant versions of GUR® are also available. Disposal of GUR® UHMW-PE presents no major environmental obstacles.

Predestined for combining with rubber

GUR® UHMW-PE is a particularly strong candidate for applications in combination with rubber due to its chemical structure. This structure allows it to be bonded permanently to rubber compounds such as EPDM, NMR, and SBR by vulcanization alone. Additional materials, such as adhesives, are not required. Typically, only minor changes to existing production processes are needed to apply GUR® films to rubber materials.

This method of using a surface layer of GUR® UHMW-PE effectively and economically compensates for the intrinsic material weakness of rubber. Hoses, conveyor belts, and rubber profiles receive a tough new working surface that significantly increases durability and introduces new application opportunities.

Diverse potential applications for GUR® UHMW-PE films

Hoses: When bonded to rubber hoses, thin films made from GUR® UHMW-PE provide exceptional resistance to abrasion on the outer surfaces and superior resistance to chemicals on the inside. Applications requiring high abrasion resistance include hydraulic hose systems such as those found in robots or construction machines, where frequent movements cause severe wear and tear. Abrasion and wear can also worsen when hydraulic hoses are laid together in bundles. The low coefficient of friction, inherent in a GUR® film protective surface, alleviates this concern.

Conveyor belts: The improved low friction properties of a GUR® UHMW-PE film surface prevent sticking of substances such as plaster or bread dough on conveyor belts. Wipe-off mechanisms can be designed more effectively when used on GUR® surfaced belts, resulting in considerably lower belt abrasion and wear.

Food Contact: Since GUR® can be used in contact with food and potable water and conforms to relevant food industry regulations such as FDA, rubber conveyor belts used within the food industry can have surface coverings of GUR® UHMW-PE. Also, the inner surfaces of hoses for filling drink containers may also be coated with a GUR® UHMW-PE film surface.

Profiles: The low coefficient of friction of GUR® and its low resistance to stickslip are particularly important when providing a surface for high-wear areas in architectural and automotive applications. These thin film surfaces exhibit major advantages in glass run-channels as compared to conventional flock-coated products. Their high degree of abrasion resistance, combined with smooth operation and long flex life in dynamic use assure dependability and freedom from premature failures.

Tapes: GUR® UHMW-PE film provided with an adhesive layer can be applied to many abrasion-susceptible areas. These include automotive squeak and rattle points and high wear industrial funnel and chute flow surfaces.

Sources for GUR® UHMW-PE Films

For many years Ticona has maintained working relationships with the following companies that convert GUR® UHMW-PE into films:

o DeWAL Industries, Inc. (Montreal, Quebec, and Staunton, Coleford, UK, www.dewal.com) has been a leading producer of thin GUR® UHMW-PE films (<1 mm) for over 25 years. For more information, contact: Warren DiClemente, Business Manager - Films, 15 Ray Trainor Drive, Saunderstown, Rhode Island, 02874, USA. Phone: 1-800-366-8356.

o DeWAL Europe GmbH (Miltenberg, Germany, www.dewaleurope.com) is the only supplier worldwide that offers GUR® UHMW-PE films in thicknesses ranging from 0.75 mm to 1 mm and widths from 5 mm to 1500 mm.

o Mikro-Technik GmbH (Miltenberg, Germany, www.mikro-technik.com) produces thicker GUR® UHMW-PE films (>1 mm) and semi-finished products (sheets, rods, tubes).

About Ticona and Celanese

Ticona, the technical polymers business of Celanese AG, Kronberg, Germany, produces and markets a broad range of engineering polymers and achieved sales of 757 million in 2002. Ticona has approximately 2,400 employees at production, compounding and research facilities in the USA, Germany and Brazil.

Celanese AG is a global chemicals company with leading positions in its key products and world class process technology. The Celanese portfolio consists of five main businesses: Acetyl Products, Chemical Intermediates, Acetate Products, Technical Polymers Ticona and Performance Products.

In 2002, Celanese generated sales of around 4.3 billion and had 10,700 employees. The company has 24 production plants and six research centers in 10 countries mainly in North America, Europe and Asia. Celanese AG shares are listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange (stock exchange symbol CZZ) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol CZ).

For further information about Ticona and Celanese, please visit our websites: www.ticona.com and www.celanese.com.

All Topics