Sasol Chemicals is proudly launching a new series of products to aid polymer processing. These new products are based on the highly successful SASOLWAX EnHance product line produced from Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons that have beencommercially supplied into polyolefins, styrenics, engineering polymers, rubber, compounds and masterbatch for decades.
“Polymer processing aids based on Fischer-Tropsch technology are not new to the global polymer community of resin producers, compounders and converters. However, they appear to be very new to the North American industry,” said Steve Torchia, Principal Global Sales Development. “We’ve intensified our marketing and sales efforts and visibility by presenting technical data at key conferences to build awareness for these novel processing solutions.”
SASOL EXTRAFLOW, a non-fluorinated and non-silicone additive, is eco-friendly and aims to reduce the carbon footprint of polymer processing. It integrates seamlessly into existing systems, providing a simple solution without the need for costly equipment modifications. The additive has shown remarkable results in industry case studies, including a 22% increase in melt flow rate and a 20% improvement in productivity for a commercial producer of trash cans while eliminating in-process defects such as short shots and voids.
In a polypropylene thermoformed sheet application with 70% PP, 28% recycled material, and 2% white masterbatch,of the Fischer-Tropsch technology-based processing aid allowed for 15 °C to 20 °C lower temperatures on the extruder zones while enabling nearly double the output rate. Relaxation temperatures remained the same, and sheet
thickness control was maintained.
In HDPE shopper bags, the use of Fischer-Tropsch technology allowed for an increase of CaCO 3 filler from 28 wt% to 35 wt% while mechanical properties of the bags stayed
within specifications (50 wt% Sumitomo F0554 HDPE, 10 wt% Reliance JF19010 LLDPE, 8 wt% recycled material).
The benefits of SASOL EXTRAFLOW are manifold, including; reduced scrap rates, lower dosage requirements, enhanced processing efficiency, and reduction of in-process defects.
“Sasol's commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in this product, which strives to transform polymer conversion processes to enable a wider processing window, reduce process energy requirements, and minimize scrap,” said Steve Torchia, Principal Global Sales Development.
Special thanks to Jerrie Vermeulen, Stefan de Goede, Morris Moabelo, Pieter van Helden, Justyn Miller, and Sello Mahlomotja for their contributions to the development of
SASOL EXTRAFLOW.
For more information, contact Steve Torchia, Principal Global Sales Development:
Polymer Additives, at steve.torchia@us.sasol.com or Francis Olajide, Manager Sales Development, Americas, at francis.olajide@us.sasol.com.
