(129b) ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Enhancing the Optical Performance of Polypropylene in Extrusion Blow Molded Applications

Due to its excellent balance of strength, toughness, reusability, and optical properties, polypropylene is commonly employed as a replacement for more conventional materials and some engineering resins. Recent advances in polymer resin design have enabled polypropylene to be effectively utilized in commercial extrusion blow molding equipment; however, clear parts have been difficult to produce at normal processing rates. Conventional and older generation nucleating and clarifying agents are not well suited to perform in the extrusion blow molding process. By studying how the polymer, processing conditions, and additives interact and jointly influence the optical properties of the finished part, we have identified new formulations that lead to improved optical properties. Using a modified resin and self-assembly driven clarifying agent package, we have demonstrated excellent physical properties and significantly improved optical properties in extrusion blow molded parts made at commercial rates. These effects enable NXâ„¢ UltraClearâ„¢ PP to replace PET, PVC, and PC in various blow molding applications.