SABIC, a leader in diversified chemicals, has introduced its new ultra-high melt flow polypropylene (PP) for nonwoven fabrics in personal hygiene applications.

The company unveiled its innovative new PP resin product, which is engineered to deliver enhanced properties in meltblown fibres for nonwoven fabrics, at this year’s RISI Asia Pacific Hygiene Products Symposium. The event took place on 24-26 October 2018 in Xiamen, China.

The new product, named SABIC PP 514M12, can serve a wide range of potential end-uses in personal hygiene applications and other market segments.

It is the first grade of a new family of high-flow resin compounds, which SABIC started to develop two years ago. It is expected to be commercially available by the end of 2018.

SABIC PP 514M12

SABIC PP 514M12 material is based on phthalate-free and odour-free technology, which is said to offer very good processability for meltblown fibres with high levels of drawability, spinnability and uniformity.

The resulting nonwovens are developed to combine high barrier properties and absorption with breathability in thin and lightweight high-performance webs of enhanced conformability and reduced material consumption.

With a final melt flow rate of >1,000 g/10 min, meltblown fibres made from the polymer open potential manufacturing possibilities for very lightweight and thin nonwovens aiming to provide improved wearability and air permeability, while maintaining very good barrier properties.

The potential improved absorption and barrier performance of fabrics based on SABIC PP 514M12 polymer has also been underscored in hydrostatic head tests, a frequent requirement for specific configurations of spun-bond/melt-blown/spun-bond (SMS) nonwovens for hygiene applications, according to SABIC.

Additionally, SABIC PP 514M12 polymer with phthalate-free, single-material technology aims to provide high purity and enhanced customer convenience over incumbent meltblown resins and benchmark blends. The polymer resin is supplied in regular pellet form, which facilitates handling, storage and use.

Wide range of end uses

The personal hygiene industry is constantly seeking advanced material solutions that help manufacturers to push the limits of consumer safety and convenience, function, sustainability and cost control. SABIC says its new polypropylene product for meltblown fibres aims to address these challenges, while meeting strict hygiene and consumer protection standards.

Trials performed in collaboration with a dedicated machine manufacturer’s latest high-speed machine, using production quantities of the new meltblown PP, confirmed that its processing and performance properties pair with or outperform reference market grades.

Subsequent sampling by selected nonwoven manufacturers successfully underscored the new material as a great candidate for a wide range of potential end-use products, from diapers, sanitary napkins and other hygiene applications, according to the company.

Beyond single-material and composite nonwovens, SABIC’s new meltblown PP can also lend itself as base resin for colour masterbatches.