NEW ALL-POLYPROPYLENE VACUUM CLEANER IS A MILESTONE FOR BOREALIS
03 September 2001 - Borealis A/S

For the first time ever, a vacuum cleaner has been made solely out of polypropylene. For a long time PP has been used for interior components and structured external components of household products, but the spectrum of characteristics for aesthetically demanding products has made it inadequate for external components. Instead, Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene has been used.

The introduction of PP grade Xmod BG065SA by Borealis Business Unit Engineering Applications has made it possible to combine for the first time three contrary characteristics (stiffness, impact strength and gloss) in one product and to raise these to the level of ABS.

The first product to successfully use this grade both internally and externally is a vacuum cleaner produced by Zelmer, the largest manufacturer of household goods in Poland. It went on sale to consumers in December 2000. The vacuum cleaner is called "Orion" and so far sales have exceeded Zelmer's expectations.

"Our new polypropylene grade is unique to the market," said Jens Thor Hansen, Marketing & Development Manager - Appliances. "It shows an ideal combination of properties, performance and costs, and offers a breakthrough in the mix of mechanical properties with high aesthetic demands."

The new grade exhibits a good balance of high stiffness and impact and at the same time displays a high gloss surface quality. It also offers the following benefits compared to ABS:

40% higher heat performance
10% weight savings
60% cost savings

http://www.borealisgroup.com

More News:
  • For September 2001
  • From Borealis A/S
  • For Polyolefins (polyethylene and polypropylene)