Zeon expands Zetpol line

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Louisville, Kentucky -- Zeon Chemicals L.P., which is expanding its Houston hydrogenated nitrile rubber facility's capacity by 25 percent, has added to its Zetpol HNBR line.

The firm's new Zetpol EP elastomers feature low viscosity and excellent process safety, and are designed to dramatically improve and simplify processing in injection moulding applications, according to Zeon. That will cut operating costs without compromising the performance of the finished parts, the firm said.

Zetpol EP-developed specifically to aid in the injection moulding of complex parts-provides a substantial improvement in mould flow and a superior safety margin against scorch to help eliminate knit lines and part delamination, according to Zeon.

Zetpol EP elastomers offer a balance of heat and environmental resistance and outstanding dynamic properties, the company claims.

Zeon Chemicals announced in March it will expand its Houston plant by 25 percent to keep up with demand for Zetpol HNBR. The firm expects that expansion, scheduled to be operational in the first quarter of 2012, will increase the plant's production by 25 percent.

The parent company also is adding a Zetpol production line to its facility in Kawasaki, Japan.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)