Are Zinc Salts the Answer to Plastic Extrusion Strength?

In plastic extrusion, polypropylene is commonly used, but this material lacks in strength against heat, particularly. Some suppliers have been producing high-melt-strength polypropylene by using a resin. This material is gaining in popularity and is very suitable for foam extrusions.

The new high-melt-strength polypropylene produces low-density foams which are great for food packaging, vehicle seating and sports shoes.  It is also used in large-part blow-moulding and thermoforming, as well as for plastic extrusions.

Higher melt strength can be achieved in other ways, however. Zinc salts, for example, are additives with excellent performance attributes. By adding them to standard polypropylene, the material will see improvements in strength, heat-resistance and flexibility, with very few drawbacks. This is great for when there are specific end-use requirements for the material, which is where the additives differ to high-melt-strength polypropylene.

For more information on Plastic Extrusion, please contact Rayda Plastics today.