Mipelon™ fine powder improves tribological surface properties of paints and coatings

Meerbusch/Germany, February 2025 – Mipelon™ is a fine powder whose spherical particles consist of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE). As an additive, it significantly improves the sliding properties, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance of paints and coatings. Typical applications include electrostatic powder coating, water and solvent-based spray coating and dip coating. Mipelon™ thus offers a high-performance, environmentally friendly alternative to PTFE, which is affected by the PFAS debate. Dreyplas will be presenting its application properties and possibilities at stand 4A-527 at the European Coating Show 2025, which takes place in Nuremberg from 25 to 27 March. The company distributes the product from Mitsui Chemicals in Europe and is also working with customers to develop solutions for optimising tribological properties with UHMW-PE instead of PTFE.

Mipelon™ is also characterised by its high chemical resistance to acids, alkalis and organic chemicals. In addition, it absorbs virtually no water or moisture. Most grades are suitable for food contact applications in accordance with EU and US legislation.

Unlike PE powder, which is also used for this purpose, Mipelon™ does not tend to swell even at high temperatures and retains its shape and function. Compared to PTFE, it has a lower coefficient of sliding friction and better abrasion resistance at the same dosage, which makes it economical to use. The lower melting temperature of around 135 °C can have a limiting effect when substituting PTFE.

The molecular weight of Mipelon™ is up to 2 million g/mol. The average size (D50) of the spherical particles is only 10 µm for the PM-200 type, which is currently the smallest size in this product group worldwide. For XM-220 the D50 value is 30 µm and 65 µm for XM-330. In the paint and coatings industry the finer powder grades are mainly used. New types with a D50 value of less than 5 µm and around 6 µm are currently under development. The latter is already available for sample purposes. Commercial availability is planned for the end of 2025.

DREYPLAS GmbH, founded in 2010, is a distributor with its registered office in Meerbusch, Germany. Its portfolio covers high-performance additives and polymers as well as adhesive raw materials, mainly from major Asian manufacturers, and focuses on technically high-quality alternatives to established products. Its customers are polymer manufacturers, compounders, coating producers and plastics processors in Europe.

Further information:
DREYPLAS GmbH, Meerbuscher Str. 64-78 Haus 6A, D-40670 Meerbusch

Norbert Hodrius, Technical Marketing Director
Tel. +49-2159-815 31-11, hodrius@dreyplas.com

Davide Caporale, Technical Sales Manager
Tel. +49-2159-815 31-19, caporale@dreyplas.com