K2013: LyondellBasell announces new grade for strength and lifespan

At K 2013 this week, LyondellBasell has announced an addition to its Lupolen family of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polymer resins. The new Lupolen UHM 5000 polyethylene grade, with an average molecular weight of 5 million, is claimed to display strong wear resistance, a low coefficient of friction and stress crack resistance.

“Lupolen UHM 5000 is a valuable addition to our product portfolio, offering customers a demonstrated improvement in performance,” said Detlef Schramm, Polyethylene Pipe and Sheet Marketing Manager for LyondellBasell. “The coarse powder allows for a reduction in the closing time of the molding press. The larger particle size, with the very low fines content, offers a good free-flowing property and a reduction in dust generation during handling and processing. Each of these attributes enables us to meet the current and future needs of a broad range of customers.”

The group said that the engineered polymer meets has been designed to meet with demand for abrasion resistance and impact strength in multiple industries, while also addressing industry requirements for faster processing by compression moulding and ram extrusion processes. Potential applications include food and beverage machinery, chemical processing, textiles, pulp and paper, mining and mineral processing. The material is supplied in the form of a coarse, natural coloured powder and can be moulded into many shapes and colours, says LyondellBasell.