Improved sliding properties and less abrasion without PFAS:

Düsseldorf and Meerbusch / Germany, November 2024 – The spherical UHMW-PE fine powder Mipelon from Mitsui Chemicals Europe offers a high-performance alternative to PTFE in terms of sliding properties, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance in plastics, rubbers, paints and coatings. The limiting factor in the substitution of PTFE is the lower melting temperature of UHMW-PE, which is around 135 °C. While Mipelon can generally be used at temperatures of up to 120 °C, the speciality grade PM200C is suitable as an additive in hydrocarbon oil for temperatures of up to 200 °C. Unlike PE powder, it does not tend to swell even at higher temperatures and retains its shape and function. It is also characterised by improved dispersing behaviour in plastic masterbatches.

In many cases, the same dosage results in a lower coefficient of sliding friction and improved abrasion resistance than with PTFE, which enables economical use. In addition, the density of 0.97 g/cm³, which is around half as high compared to PTFE, supports weight reduction. Mitsui Chemicals Europe sells Mipelon directly and via its distributor Dreyplas, which also supports customer-specific new and further developments.

Mipelon, whose molecular weight is around 2 million g/mol, is characterised by the very small size of the special spherical particles. The average particle size (D50) for the PM-200 type is around 10 µm, which is currently the smallest size in the world for this product group. For the XM-220 type, the D50 value is around 30 µm and for XM-330 it is 65 µm. The coarse particle grades are used for the modification of rubbers and plastic compounds and as filters. In contrast, the finer powder grades are ideal for paints and coatings. Mitsui Chemicals in Japan is currently developing powder grades with a D50 value of less than 5 µm and around 6 µm. The latter is already available for sampling. Commercial availability is planned for the end of 2025.

In general, the spherical particles with their smooth surface and narrow particle size distribution support very good dispersion. The particle size distribution of Mipelon is significantly narrower than that of PTFE, and it also has a considerably lower proportion of coarse particles. In addition, the material exhibits lower coefficient of friction (COF) and abrasion values under long-term stress not only compared to PTFE but also compared to PA11 and PA12 as well as PE waxes.

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 types are suitable for food contact applications in accordance with EU and US legislation.

Due to this broad spectrum of properties, typical applications range from coatings, including electrostatic powder coatings, water- or solvent-based spray coatings and dip coatings, to the modification of rubber and thermoplastics. Examples of applications include rubber-coated rollers, coatings of rubber profiles for the automotive industry, polymer compounds, anti-blocking for films instead of zeolites and silicon, oils and greases with emergency lubrication.

Together with customers, Dreyplas and Mitsui Chemicals Europe are developing solutions to replace PTFE with UHMW-PE and to optimise tribological properties. This also includes the use of Lubmer UHMW-PE, which is available in granulate form and has been developed by Mitsui Chemicals for extrusion and injection moulding applications.

Details of Mitsui Chemical’s UHMWPE and PFAS regulations can be found at https://jp.mitsuichemicals.com/en/special/uhmw-pe/index.html

and https://jp.mitsuichemicals.com/en/special/uhmw-pe/pfas_regulations/

Mitsui Chemicals Europe GmbH is the European subsidiary of the Mitsui Chemicals Group, which is a Japanese, global operating chemical manufacturer and supplier of value added specialty chemicals& plastics. Since mor than 100 years, Mitsui provide products and services to enrich people’s activities in a wide range of fields such as cars, electronics/information, health/medical care, packaging, agriculture, construction/materials, environment/energy.

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. 

Mitsui Chemicals Europe GmbH is the European subsidiary of the Mitsui Chemicals Group, which is a Japanese, global operating chemical manufacturer and supplier of value added specialty chemicals& plastics. Since mor than 100 years, Mitsui provide products and services to enrich people’s activities in a wide range of fields such as cars, electronics/information, health/medical care, packaging, agriculture, construction/materials, environment/energy.

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:
MITSUI CHEMICALS EUROPE GmbH, Oststrasse 34, D-40211 Düsseldorf
Claus Hartmann, Technical Sales Manager EMEA
Tel. +49-151 2219 8806, claus.hartmann@mcie.de

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

Editorial contact and voucher copies:
Dr. Jörg Wolters, Konsens PR GmbH & Co. KG
Hans-Böckler-Str. 20, D-63811 Stockstadt, Germany
Tel: +49-6027 99005-13, Email: joerg.wolters@konsens.de