Dow launches new polypropylene catalyst technology
5 Oct 2011
New York — Dow Chemical Co. has launched Consista C601 polypropylene catalyst, which it describes as the first sixth-generation Ziegler Natta catalyst. The non-phthalate based catalyst system is said to offer broad applicability and advantaged capability to produce high performance polymers.
According to Dow, the catalyst system, requires no capital or upgrades to existing facilities and offers process advantages and product benefits to polypropylene producers.
The product “enables customers to offer polypropylene for goods that are lighter, cleaner, and clearer, using maximum machine speeds” said Tracy Cleckler, global commercial director, Dow Polypropylene Licensing and Catalysts.
“This new catalyst is the result of our continuous investment in research and development to create drop-in technology for the UNIPOL PP Process,” she added.
Consista C601 was used in production trials at Slovnaft Petrochemicals s.r.o. in Bratislavia, Slovakia, to produce homopolymer and high melt flow impact copolymers.
Dow reports “significant process advantages were recognized while maintaining excellent product quality.” The trials, it added, also demonstrated “excellent catalyst yield” and the capability to make a broad range of products.
The trials confirmed our expectations regarding improved product properties with lower production costs ensured by 40% higher catalyst yield compared to our current system, said Andrej Horak, polypropylene plant manager for Slovnaft Petrochemicals sro.
“Our plan is to introduce this catalyst for a whole production portfolio as soon as possible because, as a non-phthalate based system, it will allow us to meet future strict REACH requirements,” Horak also stated.
In a separate trial, Dow said the new catalyst demonstrated excellent operability and process performance with homopolymer production using standard operation protocol. This, it claimed, validated the “drop-in” technology concept.
