Matrix: R&D Does Not Stop Due to COVID-19
Matrix Polymers, like many other businesses, currently remain open while following government directives. While some staff work from home, others follow social distancing rules, enabling Matrix’s technical team to continue to work safely from its laboratory in Speke.
Research is at the heart of Matrix Polymers, who have put all possible measures in place to ensure that they carry on doing what they do best: challenging the palette of materials available to the rotational moulder by pushing the boundaries of current products and combining new technologies to produce innovate materials.
One of the most exciting projects that Matrix has been working on recently is the development of a high stiffness Polypropylene (PP) foam for use within the rotational moulding industry.
The aim of developing such a material is to offer a stiffer and more advanced alternative to the current Polyethylene (PE) foams which are on the market, to allow customers to explore larger geometry within their structures in a variety of applications.
Typically PE foam is utilised in boat and sail applications. The introduction of PP could bring with it the ability to increase the length of designs were they were previously limited by the level of stiffness, allowing rotational moulders to penetrate new markets and compete with glass-reinforced plastic. Furthermore, reduction in shot weight and use of 2 layer structure could be also achieved.
In graph 1, the stiffness of PE foam vs PP foam is recorded: a 40% increase was seen in the PP foam!
We are delighted to announce that this work is part of the approved SPE ANTEC 2020 paper, and Matrix will be presenting in April at ANTEC 2020: The Virtual Edition on 22nd April at 20.00 UK time.
For further information, please contact Dr Sara Cammarano at sara.cammarano@matrixpolymers.com
Matrix Polymers
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