Ultrapolymers: New Modifiers for Impact Strength, Flame Retardancy and Gas Barrier Performance

Plastics distributor Ultrapolymers will present three products from manufacturer SK Functional Polymer at Fakuma 2026. The portfolio includes the impact and compatibilisation modifier "Lotader AX8900T", the adhesion promoter "Orevac 18343" for highly filled, halogen-free flame-retardant compounds, and the EVOH barrier material "Evasin 2951F" for multilayer films. Samples of all three products are available for material trials.

Impact modification and an additional source of supply
The reactive ethylene terpolymer "Lotader AX8900T" will in future be produced in a tubular reactor in Balan, France. The existing grade "Lotader AX8900" is manufactured in an autoclave reactor in Carling. Both grades have identical comonomer contents, comparable melt viscosities and similar mechanical properties. According to the manufacturer, the different polymer morphology of the new grade results in a higher melting point and slightly improved impact strength. Due to their similar properties, the two grades are interchangeable in many applications. The two production sites can also help safeguard security of supply.

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Potential applications include PBT, PET, PPS, and PC/PBT and PC/ABS blends, using either virgin or recycled materials. The modifiers are also suitable for compatibilising polyester-polyolefin blends and providing protection against hydrolysis. According to the manufacturer, they are compatible with LDPE at all mixing ratios and with numerous ethylene copolymers. They also adhere to PET, PBT, PPS, metal, paper and glass fibres.

Adhesion promoter for halogen-free flame-retardant compounds
"Orevac 18343" is a maleic anhydride (MAH)-grafted linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The adhesion promoter is designed to improve bonding between the polymer matrix and mineral flame retardants such as aluminium hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide. At the same time, it promotes the dispersion of fillers within the compound. This is intended to improve the mechanical properties of highly filled, halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) formulations, including after water immersion. According to the technical data sheet, the MAH content exceeds 1%, while the melting point is 121°C.

The manufacturer identifies cable insulation and sheathing, as well as aluminium composite panels for building façades, as potential applications. Compliance with the relevant fire performance and smoke emission requirements must be verified for the finished product.

Reduced EVOH content for films with gas barrier properties
The EVOH grade "Evasin 2951F" serves as an oxygen barrier in multilayer film structures, particularly for food packaging. It has an ethylene content of 29 mol%. Due to its higher vinyl alcohol content compared with other EVOH grades, a thinner barrier layer can be used while maintaining the same barrier performance.

The material is intended for multilayer structures with PE or PP outer layers and an adhesion promoter from the "Orevac" range. For processing recyclates from PE/EVOH films, SK Functional Polymer also recommends the compatibiliser "Lotader 4210".

This is particularly relevant in view of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). As a general rule, the regulation requires packaging to achieve a minimum recyclability score of 70%, corresponding to performance grade C, from 2030. The date from which this requirement applies may depend on the entry into force of the relevant delegated acts. The 5% threshold frequently mentioned in discussions about mono-material packaging relates to the definition of composite packaging. It does not constitute a blanket approval for the use of other materials or automatically demonstrate recyclability. This must be assessed for each specific film structure according to the applicable criteria.

Fakuma 2026
Friedrichshafen, Germany
12–16 October 2026
Hall A5, Stand 5211

More information: www.ultrapolymers.com

Ultrapolymers Deutschland GmbH, Augsburg, Germany

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