Performance Polymers
Ultradur®, the polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) from BASF, has a specific combination of properties making it an ideal material for particular use in extrusion manufacturing.
Ultradur® shows its strengths wherever high-quality, high dimensional stability, high deflection temperature and good barrier properties are required. A feature that is particularly important is the low water absorption and thus the fact that the mechanical and dimensional properties are largely independent of the moisture content or the climatic surrounding conditions. Particularly for components that have to work reliably for the entire lifetime of a component, Ultradur® is indispensable. Though, up to now the melt strength of PBT was not sufficient to make it a preferred product for extrusion. Therefore an interdisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, and engineers developed the Ultradur product family suitable for the extrusion market.
Ultradur® B6551 LNI for extrusion and the worldwide first thermoformable PBT Ultradur® B6560 M2 FC TF combine all the well-known characteristics of the Ultradur® family like high melting point, low water uptake, high dimensional stability and good barrier properties. Though, up to now the melt strength of PBT was not sufficient to make it a preferred product for extrusion. By connecting and branching the polymer chains via tailor-made additives the experts of BASF gained a very high melt strength. This makes the Ultradur® B6551 LNI the perfect material for pipes, profiles and mandrels – and the Ultradur® B6560 M2 FC TF the material of choice for extrusion of films and thermoforming of packaging or technical parts. Both grades now offer good mechanical properties, is easy to color, even foaming is possible
The innovative mono material product combines all the well-known characteristics of the Ultradur® family like the high melting point with excellent barrier properties against oxygen, water vapor and aroma. This makes Ultradur® B6560 M2 FC TF the perfect material for extrusion of films and thermoforming of packaging as well as high temperature applications. Even extrusion of coffee capsules is feasible.
The monomaterial Ultradur® for thin wall food packaging enables a mechanical recycling concept. On top, the excellent barrier properties extend the shelf life which leads to reduced food waste and transport costs. The excellent mechanical properties allow very thin wall geometries. All this makes Ultradur® a sustainable alternative to PET/PO solutions and aluminum.
The Ultradur® grades are polyalkylene terephthalate molding compounds based on polybutylene terephthalate. Ultradur® is produced by polycondensation of terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate with 1,4-butanediol using special catalysts. Terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate and 1,4-butanediol are obtained from petrochemical feedstocks, such as xylene and acetylene.
Ultradur® can be processed by all methods known for thermoplastics. The main methods, however, are injection molding and extrusion. The extrusion process is used to produce profiles, pipes, mandrels and semi-finished products. Semi-finished products are for the most part machined further by means of cutting tools to form finished moldings.
By connecting and branching of the polymer chains via tailor-made additives the experts of BASF gained a very high melt strength which makes the Ultradur® B6551 LNI for extrusion the perfect material for pipes, profiles and mandrels. Ultradur® B6560 M2 FC TF is the only PBT solution for extrusion of films and thermoforming for appliances in packaging or technical parts. The excellent processability was confirmed by our innovative partner ILLIG, one of the biggest producers of thermoforming machines.
Ultradur® B4040G11 HMG HP is highly stiffened and has a lowered melting point, so it can be co-extruded with PVC, but also with ASA, ABS, PC or PMMA. In the case of PVC profiles, this is used to obtain a significant stiffening effect. Applications can be found in PVC windows but also in other technical profiles.
