More applications are emerging for a low molecular-weight, low-modulus polypropylene (PP) additive commercialized by Japanese firm Idemitsu Kosan (Tokyo) last year at a 40,000-tonnes/yr plant in Chiba Japan. L-MODU is based on single site catalyst technology.
PP-based additive can contribute to reduced pigment dosage (above). Lower photo shows same pigment dosage with no additive addition.
Initially targeted as an additive for that allows PP-based non-woven textiles to be spun in finer denier and increases their tensile strength, and as a base polymer for use in hot melt adhesives exhibiting lower melting temperature than SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) hot-melt adhesives, L-MODU is now being touted as an additive for polypropylene (PP) that can improve the dispersibility and diffusivity of pigments in injection molded parts, thereby reducing the pigment dosage required. In this application, L-MODU can be used in place of wax.
The additive can also be used to improve weld strength on account of its slow crystallization rate. This attribute also brings proper bleeding of additives. L-MODU can also reportedly shorten molding cycles, and function as a metallic soap alternatives to reduce the build-up of deposits on cast film dies and in molds.