Collaborating on catalysts

Equistar Chemicals has signed a licensing and collaboration agreement with Procter & Gamble (P&G) to develop and commercialise a new metallocene catalyst technology that creates an elastomeric resin using propylene as a feedstock.

Elastomers provide elasticity to products such as athletic clothing, consumer packaging and impact-resistant automotive and industrial components.

Under the terms of the agreement, Equistar will receive a license to P&G's proprietary metallocene catalyst technology and will collaborate with P&G to bring the new elastomeric products to commercialisation.

The new technology will create the first family of homopolymer polypropylene resins with elastomeric properties. The technology is targeted for use in applications such as packaging, health and hygiene, non-woven fibres, automobile interiors, construction, housewares and wire and cable markets.

'While this new technology is in the early phases of development, the initial product performance results have been impressive,' explained Rick Fontenot, vice president of research and development for Equistar.

P&G has been working in the laboratory on this catalyst technology for approximately three years. By collaborating with Equistar, P&G plans to move the technology from the laboratory through scale-up and commercialisation.