GLASS-FIBER-FILLED POLYPROPYLENE
Coupling agents are functional polymer bridges between polyolefin resins and incompatible materials. SI Group's POLYBOND™ 3200 is legendary for its performance as a coupling agent in thermoplastic and cellulose-fiber-filled applications.
As a polypropylene-based coupling agent, POLYBOND™ 3200 outperforms the competition by demonstrating superior thermal stability, color control, and less degradation. Incompatible materials, including nonwovens, carpet tiles, composites, filled polypropylene, polypropylene–polyamide alloys, thermoplastic composites, cellulose, and natural-fiber-filled materials, can benefit from improved mechanical properties for better adhesion (coupling) to the base resin matrix.
POLYBOND™ improves the potential compatibility of glass-fiber-filled polypropylene used in automotive interior applications. Glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene composite materials offer lightweight, versatile, and superior performance, requiring an improved interfacial adhesion between the glass-fiber filler and the polypropylene composite.
Incorporating POLYBOND™ 3200 as a versatile compatibilizer provides the following improved mechanical properties:
1. Impact strength
2. Toughness
3. Retained lightweight characteristics
4. Flexural strength
5. Enhanced adhesion
6. Improved filler dispersion
7. Increased tensile strength
Increased Mechanical Properties
Increased Thermal Properties
Furthermore, flexural strength and heat distortion temperature (HDT) experience significant improvement corresponding to the enhanced coupling of the glass fiber to the polymer matrix.
| POLYBOND™ Advantage | Why It Matters | Benefit to You |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Production Technology | Reduced degradation and black-speck formation | Higher productivity and less waste |
| Superior Color Stability | No discoloration for sensitive white good applications | Broader processing window for higher productivity |
| Improved Heat Stability | Increased durability, mechanical performance, and stronger compound protection | Lower off-spec production |
| SI Group Product Brand | Controlled manufacturing process | Less degradation and consistent product performance |
POLYBOND™ 3200 compatibilizer is ideal for formulators requiring natural or white-color resilience at elevated temperatures because of its outstanding color and thermal properties.
POLYBOND™ 3200 samples were compared to a competitor's coupling agent. After heat aging for 14 days at 150°C (302°F), POLYBOND™ 3200 maintains its color better than the competing coupling agent.
Before Heat Aging
POLYBOND™ 3200 & Competitor
After Heat Aging
POLYBOND™ 3200 & Competitor
The melt flow index (MFI) measured 9 for both grades before heat aging. After heat aging, POLYBOND™ 3200 retained its MFI while the competitor's product degraded.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Typical Value | Test Based On | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-white Pellet | Visual | ||
| Melt Flow Rate @ 190°C, 2.16Kg | 115 g/10 min | ASTM-D1238 | ||
| Maleic Anhydride Content | High* | ASTM D-6047 | ||
| Specific Gravity @ 23°C | 0.91 g/cm3 | ASTM D-792 | ||
| Bulk Density | 0.6 g/cm3 | ASTM D1895B | ||
| Melting Point | 157°C | DCS | ||
| CAS Number | 9003-07-0 |
*Maleic anhydride content is typically in the range of 0.8% to 1.2%
SUMMARY
Glass-fiber-filled polypropylene composites require a coupling agent to reinforce interfacial adhesion between the filler and the polymer matrix. POLYBOND™ 3200 improves the bond between the polyolefin and filler while enhancing the compound's thermal stability and tensile strength. Talk to one of our specialists to learn more or sample POLYBOND™ 3200 today.
