Introduction:
When the MPM® 2000 is added to polypropylene at levels ranging from 0.25% – 2.0%, it can produce high levels of beta crystallinity in molded or extruded parts. The high beta crystal content results in dramatically higher impact strength and ductility, with very little reduction in modulus or tensile strength. If the final fabricated article is produced by post-orientation of an extruded sheet at temperatures below the melting point of the beta crystal phase, then microvoids will develop, and the density of the article will go down, and its opacity will go up. In the case of oriented films it is possible to lower the final film density by 15% when uniaxial stretching is done (MOPP), and by up to 70% when biaxial stretching (BOPP) is done. In the BOPP process it is possible to make breathable films when high levels of porosity are achieved. When the thermoforming process is used, the processing window of polypropylene is broadened dramatically, and cycle rates can be increased by 25%. Material distribution in the final part is also improved leading to potential down-weighting of thermoformed food containers by 15%. Beta nucleation can also be used to increase the tensile strength of biaxially oriented geogrids allowing for down-weighting of 15-20%. MPM 2000 can be used effectively in polypropylene resins that are already alpha-nucleated with either sodium benzoate or talc, and MPM 2000 may also work in the presence of other alpha nucleants, such as certain pigments. MPM 2000 is colorless, and has broad food contact approvals.
Material Description: White, free-flowing pellets
Chemical Name: Proprietary
Empirical Formula: Proprietary
CAS#: Proprietary
Chemical Structure: Proprietary
Physical Properties:
Melt Flow Rate: 12 – 35 g/10 min.
Melting Range: Dual melting peaks:
150 – 157 oC for the beta crystal phase
164 – 170 oC for the alpha crystal phase
Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.08 g/cm3
Applications:
Injection molding, Thermoforming, Rotomolding, Blow molding, Blown film, Oriented film, Breathable film, Geogrids, Carpet backing tapes, Mineral and Glass filled composites.
Advantages:
- Can be added at the extruder hopper to produce extruded sheet or injection molded parts with high levels of beta crystallinity, and high impact strength.
- Can be used with certain alpha-nucleated PP resins, where other beta nucleant masterbatches would not be effective.
- Broadens the processing window for thin gauge thermoforming, and produces thermoformed containers with more uniform material distribution and improved crush strength and rigidity, with lower sidewall density. This higher top load crush strength can be used to down-weight containers by 15%. The microvoiding effect can reduce the need for TiO2 pigment in order to produce white containers.
- Faster cycle rates in both injection molded and thermoformed part production.
- Reduces the density of oriented films, and can produce breathability in BOPP films.
- Improves the tensile strength of biaxially oriented geogrids allowing for down-weighting of 15-20%.
- All of the components of the masterbatch are FDA and EU approved for food contact applications.
Loading Instructions:
The loading data and results are based on laboratory work (and field-testing) under controlled conditions and do not necessarily indicate the result that the buyer or user will attain. For this reason, we strongly recommend testing of your own system under the actual conditions of processing and end-use prior to full scale testing. The generally recommended loading concentration range is between 0.25% and 2.0% depending on the base polypropylene resin, the processing conditions used, and the presence of any other additives that may have nucleating characteristics such as certain pigments. Although the MPM 2000 is designed to be used with certain alpha-nucleated PP resins, it does not work with all alpha nucleated polypropylenes, and it must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Storage:
This product may be stored up to two years in a sealed container. Containers should be stored in a cool, dry area. Extended storage at elevated temperatures or exposure to direct heat or sunlight could reduce product life. Keep containers sealed when not in use.
Toxicity & Safety:
This material is not intended for use in products for which prolonged contact with mucous membranes or abraded skin, or implantation within the human body is specially intended, unless the finished product has been tested in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration and/or other applicable safety testing requirements. Because of wide range of such potential uses, Mayzo, Inc. is not able to recommend this material as safe and effective for such uses and assumes no liability for any such uses. Read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheet before using or handling this product.
FDA:
MPM 2000 has broad food contact approval status under EU regulations, and FDA approval is pending. For more information on regulatory issues, please contact Mayzo.
Processing:
In order to maximize the beta crystal content of extruded sheet, the cast roll should be heated to at least 80 degrees Celsius, and should preferably be in the range of 90 – 130 degrees Celsius. Mayzo will provide technical assistance to customers in order to help them optimize the processing conditions for their particular application.
