SABIC's New Compound Uses Nanotechnology to Enable Differentiated Foams

SABIC has introduced LNP™ COLORCOMP™ WQ117945, a groundbreaking material based on advanced nanotechnology that facilitates efficient production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foams for core materials in sandwich structures. This new compound improves control over nucleation and cell growth, resulting in reduced cell size and uniform, narrower cell size distribution. These properties can reduce foam weight by minimizing resin uptake in sandwich structures. Additionally, they can potentially improve shear strength and strain properties for better fatigue performance. The development of PET foams with SABIC's new LNP COLORCOMP compound can meet the evolving needs of numerous industries, including maritime, construction and building, packaging and wind energy. Sunamita Anunciação, Development Director at the LNP Business Unit at SABIC, stated: "Our new LNP COLORCOMP WQ117945 compound can help expand adoption of PET foam materials across a broad range of applications, from building insulation and cladding to boat hulls and decks, and the core of wind turbine blades." She added: "Beyond improving the mechanical properties of PET foam, our technology helps reduce weight, which opens new opportunities for sustainability. For example, lighter foam core materials can allow designers to create longer and more efficient wind blades. Lighter materials also reduce environmental impacts associated with transportation. Working with our customers, SABIC continues to develop solutions that advance many aspects of performance and sustainability." [caption id="attachment_119475" align="aligncenter"] Charts and images show cell analysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam produced using conventional nucleating agents compared with PET foam produced using SABIC's new LNP™ COLORCOMP™ compound. This new compound improves control over nucleation and cell growth, resulting in reduced cell size and uniform, narrower cell size distribution.[/caption]

Core Materials for Wind Energy

Wind blade disposal is becoming a global concern. Due to their large size and complexity, most blades are currently sent to landfills. The adoption of PET foams in wind turbine blade cores offers the industry a strong, lightweight, recyclable alternative to established materials such as balsa wood and PVC foam. Weight reduction in wind blade design is also an important consideration. Extending blade length to increase the amount of captured energy adds significant weight to the blade. SABIC's LNP COLORCOMP WQ117945 compound can significantly reduce foam cell size (up to three times) compared to standard nucleating agents such as talc, and reduce cell size variation by up to five times. These factors help achieve a lighter blade by reducing resin uptake by the foam during composite manufacturing. In terms of strength and other mechanical properties, high-density PET foams can potentially compete with balsa wood while avoiding the natural variability of wood. Additionally, as thermoplastic polymers, PET foams offer greater freedom in wind blade design and shaping compared to balsa. At the same time, they provide stable supply, cost effectiveness, consistent material properties and significantly lower resin uptake.

Beyond PET

SABIC's new nanotechnology solution can be used as an effective nucleating agent in foaming processes such as extrusion foaming, injection foaming and bead foaming, as well as function as a rheological modifier to improve melt strength and thermoplastic behavior. The nanotechnology used by SABIC can be adapted for resins other than PET, making it a good candidate for use in a wide variety of different industries.