Teknor Apex develops clear rigid PVC compound to resist UV in outdoor tubing applications

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Teknor Apex Company has introduced a new rigid vinyl compound with a specially developed UV-blocking formulation, which provides clarity for photobioreactor and other outdoor tubing, along with high gloss and toughness for weatherable profile applications, as per Plastemart.

Apex RE 9118A is a transparent compound with less than 15% haze. The UV-blocking formulation substantially reduces the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on the PVC while permitting passage of wavelengths that are essential in processes like algae farming for biofuel and other applications. The tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the compound are comparable to those of standard general-purpose rigid vinyl.

The new material is the only one available from a diversified PVC compounder that combines good clarity and high resistance to UV, said Michael J. Renzi, business development manager for the Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex.

"By virtue of its lower cost, lighter weight, and greater resistance to breakage, rigid vinyl provides a superior cost-performance alternative to the glass piping used in ‘green energy’ applications, as well as to high-cost engineered thermoplastics such as polycarbonate," said Mr. Renzi. "Our PVC compound withstands continued exposure to sunlight while allowing passage of energy needed for bioprocessing and enabling technicians to monitor the status of their systems."

As MRC reported earlier, in March 2013, Teknor Apex presented three new thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) wire and cable compounds that combine the rubber-like durability and flexibility valued by hospital and clinical professionals and the high degree of purity required for meeting stringent medical standards.

Teknor Apex is one of the world's leading custom compounders headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA. The company produces PA compounds in the UK, the U.S.A., and Singapore. Teknor Apex is one of the world's leaders of specialty PVC compounds which are used in a wide range of applications from wire and cable to automotive, medical, consumer and industrial products. The company also produces thermoplastic elastomers, nylon, bioplastics, chemicals, specialty compounds.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- The output of finished products with the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in Russia increased in January-May, reported MRC analysts, according to Rosstat.

Producers of coatings, PVC windows and profiles showed stable growth rates.

In January-May 2013, the production of paints and varnishes in Russia grew by 11.7% year on year. The rise in production of polymer-based paints and varnishes exceeded 16% in January-May 2013.

According to official statistics, Russia produced 144,600 tonnes of coatings in May. The output of polymer-based coatings made 112,000 tonnes.

Russian producers of plastic windows demonstated no less rapid growth. According to official statistics, the production of finished products in this sector rose by 12% in January-May 2013.

High rates of production growth in these sectors contribute to increased consumption of TiO2 by Russian companies. As reported earlier, amid stronger demand in the Russian domestic market, imports of titanium dioxide in January-May 2013 rose by 38% (10,800 tonnes) year on year and totalled about 39,000 tonnes.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Nizhnekamskneftehim, the third largest high density polyethylene (HDPE) producer in Russia,
stopped its production, according to MRC analysts.

Today, on 27 June, Nizhnekamskneftekhim shut down its HDPE production. HDPE output was stopped because of problems at ethylene production unit. The plant's representatives have not disclosed the duration of the outage, but they do not rule out the possibility of resumption of polyethylene (PE) production in the next 4-5 days.

The annual PE capacity of the plant in Nizhnekamsk is 200,000 tonnes. According MRC ScanPlast, in 2012 the
overall output of PE by Nizhnekamsk plant totalled slightly more than 202,000 tonnes. Over the first five months of 2013, the company produced 84,000 tonnes of PE.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- In January-May 2013 the market capacity of PET in Russia increased by 3.5% compared to the same period in the previous year and amounted to 253,000 tonnes, according to MRC ScanPlast.

Stronger demand has been met by an increase in domestic production and imports (mainly from China and South Korea).
Over the reporting period, the domestic supply of Russian granulate increased by 8% to around 177,000 tonnes, despite an general decrease in the production of PET in Russia.

Thus, in January-May 2013, the supplies of Russian PET to the domestic market reached 70% in the totall supplies. Strengthening of the domestic demand this year and the unfavourable situation in the European markets contributed to the reduction export shipments of PET.


Thus, in January-May exports of Russian PET fell by 60% compared to January-May in the previous year and made about 12,000 tonnes.
The lack of Russian PET has been offset by an increase in foreign purchases.

Thus, in January-May 2013 imports of PET to Russia increased by 10% and amounted to 75,680 tonnes. If the current rate of consumption remains to the end of the year the capacity of Russian PET market will grow by 20,000 tonnes and can come close to the level of 602,000 tonnes.


MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) - In May, the export shipments of Ukrainian titanium dioxide (TiO2) were cut by more than 11% compared to April to 11,215 tonnes, according to MRC DataScope.

As MRC analysts expected Ukraine's exports of TiO2 in May to be reduced due to the global decline in demand for the material. In addition, prices of Chinese TiO2 continue to decline, making the Ukrainian material less competitive in international markets.

Export supplies of "Crimean Titan" in May amounted to about 8,400 tonnes, slightly down from April.

SumyKhimprom reduced its shipments significantly. Thus, in May exports of the plant decreased by 30% to just more than 2,700 tonnes.


The most popular Ukrainian grade of titanium dioxide in export markets is Crimea TiOx-230 by production of "Crimean Titan".

In general, May exports of Ukraine's titanium dioxide to foreign markets totalled to 3,175 tonnes, up 100 tonnes from April. Over the five months of the current year Ukraine has shipped 57,200 tonnes of titanium dioxide, from 62,000 tonnes year on year.


MRC