At the recently concluded NPE 2024 trade show, petrochemicals group Sabic (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; www.sabic.com) demonstrated the properties of its polypropylene-ultra melt strength (PP-UMS) foam resin, meant primarily for use in transportation components that need weight reduction and cost optimisation.

The company said its PP-UMS has a melt strength greater than 65 cN to enable very low foam densities (20-200 kg/m3). Two vehicle applications were also presented at the event, demonstrating the lightweighting, processing, and sustainability benefits of the foam resin. 

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Sabic displayed a composite PP sandwich panel for the floor of a recreational vehicle comprised of a glass-fibre-reinforced PP face sheet and foam core. Combining the foam core with the glass reinforced PP face sheet results in a mono-material part that is easier to recycle than a mix of material types, Sabic said. 

Sabic also showed a 60-inch foamed automotive air duct produced in a blow-moulding operation using PP-UMS foam resin. The sample air duct, in commercial use, offers recyclability and insulation properties that can save energy, material costs, and labour while simplifying the mounting process in the vehicle.