Mitsui Chemicals Targets Tribological Applications with UHMW-PE Grades

Even at a low dosage of five percent, Lubmer delivers a significantly more effective reduction in abrasion than PTFE, according to the supplier, as shown here for PA66 - (Graphic: Mitsui Chemicals).

Mitsui Chemicals is positioning its "Lubmer" and "Mipelon" ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) ranges for applications requiring low friction and high wear resistance. The materials are designed for injection molding, extrusion, coatings and the modification of thermoplastics, elastomers and coating systems.

The UHMW-PE grades can also provide an alternative to PTFE in applications where very high temperature resistance is not essential. According to Mitsui Chemicals, they combine low friction and abrasion with low density and water absorption, chemical resistance, flexibility and good impact performance at low temperatures. They can also help reduce noise in moving components.

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Granules for Processing and Compounding
The "Lubmer" range consists of granulated UHMW-PE grades with different melt viscosities for injection molding and extrusion. Applications include films, sheets, profiles and tubing, while both hot-runner and tunnel-gate systems can be used in injection molding.

Grades L3000, L4000 and L5000 are aimed at wear-resistant applications. L5220 is designed for self-lubricating performance, while TM-80B offers improved weather resistance for applications such as automotive sliding components.

LY1040 is a PFAS-free UHMW-PE additive for engineering plastics. Mitsui Chemicals says the material can replace PTFE as a friction modifier at addition levels of 3 to 5%, while also improving wear resistance and largely retaining the properties of the base polymer.

The range also includes the ready-to-use PA-based compounds LS4140 and LS4120 and the PA masterbatch LY4100 for dry blending and direct dosing at the injection molding machine.

Fine Powders for Coatings
The "Mipelon" range comprises spherical UHMW-PE fine powders for coatings and polymer modification. Average particle sizes range from 10 µm for PM-200 and 30 µm for XM-220 to 65 µm for XM-330. The grades are designed for use at temperatures up to 120 °C. The special PM200C grade can, according to the company, be used at temperatures up to 200 °C in hydrocarbon oil.

Mitsui Chemicals says the spherical morphology and relatively narrow particle-size distribution of the powders support uniform dispersion and surface formation. At comparable addition levels, the company also reports lower friction and abrasion than with PTFE powders, as well as performance advantages over PA11, PA12 and PE waxes.

The finer grades are primarily intended for surface coatings, including powder coatings and water- and solvent-based spray and dip systems. The company is also developing spherical powders with particle sizes below 5 µm and 6 µm, respectively, to further tailor tribological coating properties.

Coarser "Mipelon" grades are intended mainly as additives for rubbers and thermoplastics, including food-contact applications and antiblocking use in films. According to Mitsui Chemicals, the grades mentioned comply with the relevant food-contact requirements in the EU and the US.

More information: eu.mitsuichemicals.com, www.mitsuichemicals.com

Mitsui Chemicals Europe GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany

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