By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : March 19, 2021 10:34 am
All three processing methods benefit from the customized properties of the high-temperature thermoplastic
BASF has now expanded its Ultrason P portfolio so that it can be used to manufacture high-quality bottles by all three processing methods that are standard in the industry.
The two polyphenylsulphone (PPSU) grades Ultrason P 2010 and P 3010 can be used in injection stretch blow molding, extrusion blow molding and injection molding to manufacture bottles for adults and babies that are safe to use, robust and chemically resistant as well as available in numerous designs, shapes and colors.
All three processing methods benefit from the customized properties of the high-temperature thermoplastic. It contains no harmful substances, is approved for food contact and has outstanding strength, chemical resistance and long-term high-temperature stability up to 180°C. Bottles made from the transparent, slightly honey-colored BASF polyphenylsulphone can easily withstand sterilization in a microwave or in very hot water – regardless of the method used to manufacture them.
“The production of high-quality, safe and stylish bottles for adults and babies presents a challenge that cannot be compared to that of conventional PET, PP or co-polyester bottles,” says Georg Grässel from BASF’s global business development Ultrason. “The globally widespread processing methods all have their own specific requirements of the material used – and this is where Ultrason® P has proven its value to customers in many different countries. They can choose the most suitable material from our portfolio and can also benefit from our on-site technical application support and the global availability of the different grades.”
During extrusion blow molding, the plastic melt is extruded from top to bottom through a circular die to form a tube-shaped parison. Internal pressure is then used to inflate the parison within a mold thus giving the part its shape.
When injection molding is used, the bottle body can be injection molded with or without a cap thread and base, which provides great flexibility when it comes to the bottle design or the method used to vent baby bottles. Today, the manufacturing with single and multi-cavity molds in combination with an upstream hot runner system is state of the art.