Description: POLYPROPYLENE COMPOUNDS Two grades P-406 and P-424 under the brand name Optim have been developed as coupling agents for filled polypropylene compounds. The Optim grades are used as coupling agents or compatibilisers in talc-filled PP, glass-filled PP, calcium carbonate and other mineral-filled PP. They also act as wetting and dispersing aids for colours and pigments. Optim grafted polypropylene act by improving interfacial adhesion between the filler and polymer matrix. Thus the polar functional groups in Optim bond with the surface of fillers like calcium carbonate, talc, mica and glass fibres, while the PP back bone mixes well with the matrix polymer. This results in better dispersion of the filler and enhancement of mechanical properties of the compound. In extruded products, Optim containing compounds provide smoother surface finish. In addition extruder stoppages, done for frequent cleaning of the die are greatly reduced. In injection moulded products, better pigment dispersion and higher flow of the filled compound containing Optim make it possible to mould dimensionally stable thin wall parts or parts with profile of varying thickness level of addition. Pluss Polymers, indigenous manufacturers of grafted polymers in India, has recently developed these two grades P-406 and P-424 under the brand name Optim.
