MOSCOW (MRC) -- Kraton Performance Polymers, a leading global innovator and producer of Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBCs) and other engineered polymers, announced the introduction of two new hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (HSBCs), said the company in its press release.
Kraton MD6951 and MD1648 present a unique balance of high elasticity, extraordinary tensile strength and exceptional lower melt viscosity, which will allow for a host of new process applications to be explored. Both polymers are an extension of the versatile family of HSBCs - Kraton A and ERS polymers - and will enable innovators to pursue melt blown, injection molding, rotational molding, compression molding, or textile processes, while maintaining the softness, strength, and pliability of their products.
Kraton MD6951 is the newest HSBC in the Kraton A family, and has an enhanced flow capability never before seen on the market. It has several potential applications, including soft touch over molding, which produces such products as cell phone protectors and power tool grips, protective cling films and sound dampening materials. MD6951 maintains the reliability and hallmarks of the Kraton A family, such as softness, ease of use and compatibility. Additionally, its increased polarity makes it compatible with thermoplastic polyurethane, polystyrene, polyphenylene oxide, among others.
Kraton MD1648 is an enhanced rubber segment (ERS) styrenic block copolymer. ERS polymers are compatible with polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene - plastics used in such materials as elastic non-wovens for applications such as surgical and protective apparel, diapers and industrial textiles. Historically, SBCs had certain limitations because of high viscosity making them unsuitable for fine fiber processing. However, because MD1648 possesses high elasticity and strength together with exceptionally low viscosity, it can run on existing melt blown process equipment.
As MRC wrote before, Kraton Performance Polymers has entered into a definitive agreement to combine with the styrenic block copolymer operations of Taiwan-based LCY Chemical Corp. The transaction will combine Kraton’s broad product portfolio and innovation platform with LCY’s cost-effective and innovative SBC operations and its proven record of driving growth in China and broader Asia.
Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc., through its operating subsidiary Kraton Polymers LLC and its subsidiaries, is a leading global producer of engineered polymers and styrenic block copolymers ("SBCs"), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by us almost fifty years ago. Kraton manufactures products at five plants globally, including our flagship plant in Belpre, Ohio, as well as plants in Germany, France and Brazil, and a joint venture plant operated in Japan.
MRC