Axion launches new recycled polymer grades following investment
Axion Polymers has launched three new grades of polymer made from recycled end-of-life automotive and WEEE resources.
The new grades of ABS, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), have been introduced following investment in its UK-based plastics refinery plant to increase extrusion capacity and improve melt filtration technology.
The Salford-based recycling specialist is one of a few companies in the UK to offer post-consumer recycled ABS engineering polymer and claims its Axpoly ABS52 1000 offers significant carbon savings of 70 percent when compared to virgin plastics.
Axpoly ABS52 1000 is a tough plastic said to be suitable for moulding parts that require durability, longevity, strong puncture strength and good dimensional stability, such as automotive trim components like car wing mirrors and car bumpers. With good electrical insulation properties, it is suitable for use in enclosures for domestic products like vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances.
Axion also offers variations on the standard grade’s physical properties to suit customers’ specific requirements, such as flame retardant versions.
This polymer is currently being used in the development of new applications for customers “who value these tough material properties” and are seeking an “economic solution with high environmental benefits”, according to Steve Bell, Axion Polymers Commercial Operations Manager.
Offering carbon savings of 53 percent versus virgin grades, Axpoly PE51 1090 is a new grade of polyethylene with properties similar to HDPE. Axion says it is suitable for products such as pallets, boxes and shipping containers or other general purpose moulded items where durability and good water resistance is required.
The recently-developed high flexural modulus polypropylene, Axpoly PP51 1093 reportedly has excellent strength to withstand an applied top load without flexing. It is ideal for construction and civil engineering applications, such as internal support structures for rainwater drainage tanks.
Bell continued: “As a new engineering polymer, Axpoly PP51 1093 is an innovative example of a customer-driven variant of Axion’s standard PP grade - Axpoly PP51 1000 - and demonstrates how we can tailor-make compounds to meet challenges from our customer base.”
Axpoly PP51 1000 standard grade is already widely used in a range of versatile applications, including automotive components, packaging, pipes, drainage goods, flower pots and general purpose items from loudspeakers to hinges.