DUESSELDORF, Germany—LCY Chemical Corp. is showcasing its thermoplastic elastomer portfolio at K2022 with particular emphasis on sustainability-related material science developments.
In particular, LCY—which has manufacturing bases in Taiwan, China, and the U.S.—will focus on advances in the areas of material functionality, proprietary hydrogenation, customized products.
"In response to the world's collective effort to tackle climate change, LCY deploys our 6R sustainable strategy to ease environmental impact through recycling, replacing, reducing, repurposing, recovering, and renewal of materials and resources," Seng Wui Lim, senior vice president of the LCY Elastomer Business, said in a statement.
"We know the technology to enhance circularity," Lim added. "Our advanced products such as impact modifiers are a key enabler for sustainability solutions that help enhance usability and lifetime of recycled plastics, which consequently reduce plastics wastes."
LCY says its latest toughening modifiers exhibit improved physical properties in strong plasticity, abrasion resistance, durability, and good modification capability.
This low-medium molecular weight SEBS "takes only 5 percent of total feedstock while proving to increase energy efficiency by 30 percent and production capacity by 20 percent, as well as saving on production costs for our customers."
In the sustainable elastomers field, LCY also is demonstrating its expertise in what it bills as 'CARE', standing for:
- Clean process—LCY's proprietary hydrogenation process is said to deliver products with low metal residues and end-products with crystalized transparency, which are "clean, safe, and compliant with regulations."
- Applications of high value—This includes medical components and 5G infrastructure.
- Recycled and renewable solutions—Which involves innovation in sustainable product offerings, including impact modifiers, bio-succinic acid and bio-based alternatives.
- Efficiency—LCY will highlight how its SBCs can deliver enhanced physical properties and end-product performance as well as high processability for increased production and energy efficiency in processes.
Other LCY product highlights at K2022 include a high vinyl SEBS polymer GP-9645D has low polystyrene content, contributing to the soft texture and high transparency.
GP-9645D is said to have a relatively high molecular weight, suitable for extrusion process. Unlike conventional SEBS polymers, it doesn't require process oil to produce GP-9645-based compounds.
Target applications include medical applications such as medical bags, tubing, and devices and general-purpose items requiring softness, flexibility, or transparency while avoiding the use of extended oil.
Another offering SEP GP-8501U is described as a pure diblock SEP (styrene-ethylene-propylene) polymer that modifies the rheological properties of many products.
The SEP structure can provide cohesion performance, and special thixotropic characteristics to increase sag resistance and enhance shear-thinning function of products, such as fiber optical cable filling compounds sealants and coatings.
