Premium
The Spherizone Process: A New PP Manufacturing Platform
Author(s) -
Mei Gabriele,
Herben Pierre,
Cagnani Camillo,
Mazzucco Antonio
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.200651395
Subject(s) - materials science , polypropylene , composite material , thermoforming , stiffness , molding (decorative) , mixing (physics) , compounding , polymer , mechanical engineering , engineering , physics , quantum mechanics
The development of the new Spherizone technology, based on the innovative reactor MultiZone Circulating Reactor (MZCR), exploits its capability to generate innovative polypropylene based materials. The MZCR is made by two legs, through which solid is kept circulating: the riser, operating as a fast fluidized bed, and the downer, where the polymer particles descend in plug flow. With a simple arrangement (a monomer stream, called “barrier”, fed at the top of the downer), the reactor's legs can operate under different reacting conditions, allowing the production of different polymers in the two zones: the consequent mixing of the two polymer phases is not achievable with any other technologies beforehand. This, in turn, leads to improved properties, such as: stiffness and processability for pipe; broader processing window, good optics and high stiffness/impact in thermoforming; processability at very high speed in BOPP; superior clarity in blow molding, blown and cast film; softness with good tenacity in fiber; improved impact/stiffness in injection molding; high melt strength for foam and compounding.