MPM® 1101 is a pelletized masterbatch containing a proprietary beta nucleant formulation in a polypropylene homopolymer resin. This masterbatch can be added to non-nucleated polypropylene polymers including homopolymers, random copolymers, and impact copolymers, in order to produce high levels of beta phase crystallinity in extruded sheets, films, and injection molded parts. When extruded sheets are stretched in the solid state to produce oriented films, these films will develop microvoids causing them to become white/opaque in appearance and undergo a reduction in density. In thermoforming applications beta nucleation broadens the processing window and produces final parts that have improved material distribution and higher strength and rigidity, thereby allowing the parts to be down-weighted.

Applications: MPM® 1101 is specifically designed to beta nucleate a non-nucleated polypropylene resin when used at addition levels in the range of 1.5% to 3.0%. The major application areas for beta nucleated polypropylene include opaque and matte finish oriented film, breathable, microporous film, opaque thermoformed parts, and opaque or translucent injection molded parts. Beta nucleated polypropylene is not suitable for applications requiring high clarity.

Advantages:

• Can be added at the extruder hopper to produce sheet with high levels of beta crystallinity.

• Stretching the sheet either monoaxially or biaxially produces opaque, microporous film with lowered density, high strength, and enhanced printability. Under the proper conditions the stretched sheet can exhibit high levels of vapor transmission or "breathability".

• Broadens the processing window for thin gauge thermoforming, and produces thermoformed containers with more uniform material distribution and improved crush strength and rigidity, with lower sidewall density. The microvoiding effect can reduce the need for TiO2 pigment in order to produce white containers.

• Beta nucleation improves the impact strength and ductility of injection molded polypropylene without leading to a significant decrease in modulus.

• All of the components of the masterbatch are FDA approved for food contact applications.

• The MPM® 1101 does not impart color into the final film or part that is made.