Refrigerator PP grade replaces ABS
Samsung?s Appliances division recently selected a new grade of
polypropylene for its refrigerators to replace ABS and reduce cost. The
material, Moplen EP649N, was developed specifically for Samsung by
PolyMirae, a joint venture between Basell Polyolefins and Daelim
headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Samsung is using the new material to mold
23 different components, from ice trays and crisper drawers to vegetable
baskets and shelf units.
?We believe this is one of the first times that high-gloss polypropylene has
been systematically used in visible parts for refrigerator applications,? says
G.Y. Ha, technology support manager for PolyMirae. ?The lower resin
costs compared with styrenic materials such as ABS and HIPS, along with
PP?s low density, means that manufacturers can get up to 14% more
components per kilo of resin compared with competing materials. The
manufacturing process is also simplified because polypropylene resins do
not require predrying.??MM
Metal to pp
2. Frames
A key challenge for appliances producers is to remain cost competitive
without sacrificing the high quality of their equipment.
Since metal and stainless parts are usually the most expensive
components inside white goods, significant savings can be made by
converting metal to plastics.
The demands for polyolefin solutions are high as they have to withstand
aggressive thermal and chemical environments.
Borouge and Borealis have developed GB266WG, a unique stabilized
polypropylene filled with 20% glass fibre to replace metal dishwasher front
frames.
In addition to a lower part cost, this material offers.
Excellent detergent stabilization
Low heat expansion
Corrosion free
In an effort to aid equipment manufacturers in increasing their production
efficiency by lowering costs, Borouge and Borealis have developed
GB366WG, a polypropylene (PP) designed to replace stainless steel parts
in washing machines.
GB366WG delivers long-term performance. This is due to the absence of
corrosion, its outstanding impact resistance and the special detergent
stabilization system that preserves the colour of pump housing. Moreover,
the parts are easier to integrate than their steel counterparts.
In addition to applications like washing machine drums, GB366WG is now
used by BSH on pump housings.
Appliance producers often strive to remain cost competitive and ensure the
high quality of their products. Since metal and stainless steel parts are
usually expensive components inside white goods, significant savings can
be made by converting metal to plastics.
Understanding the needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
helps our team to develop customised solutions that fit our customers'
individual needs.
We, together with BSH, for example, have worked together to develop
MB350WG, a 30% talc filled PP with outstanding impact/stiffness behaviour
combined with an excellent stabilization package against rinse aids, hot
water and detergents. MB350WG is our most suitable polypropylene grade
for washing machine basements.
MB350WG transmits less heat and is less noisy than stainless steel. The
highly moulded surface quality enhances the basement's looks. The
scratch resistance of the material make sure those looks will last, as will the
non-oxidation properties. Oxidation is caused by exposure to heat and
water. It shows by the yellowing colour of the material and may impair the
mechanical and chemical properties of polypropylene by reducing its
molecular weight.
