Celanese Unveils Low Permeation, Toughened Hostaform® POM for Blow and Injection Molded Tank Applications

Celanese Corporation, the global technology and specialty materials company, celebrated 50 years of the Celcon®/Hostaform® acetal copolymer (POM) product line at K 2013 in Dusseldorf, Germany, by unveiling Hostaform LPT POM, a low-permeation and toughened polymer specifically designed for a wide range of demanding Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) applications, jerrycans and other containers.

Showcased at Celanese booth, the new Hostaform low permeation and toughened (LPT) POM delivers an unprecedented balance of impact and durability performance that customers need to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations for SORE systems.

“Celanese specifically designed its Hostaform S 9364 LPI for injection molding and S 9364 LPB for blow molding blow molding to perform in fuel systems that use ‘advanced fuels’,” said George Zollos, Celanese market development manager - POM.

Traditionally, SORE fuel tanks have been molded in high-density polyethylene (HDPE), but new stringent EPA and CARB set permeation regulations require manufacturers to find a cost competitive alternative material solution.

As the leading supplier of POM for automotive fuel systems, Celanese used a proprietary hybrid POM technology to create the new Hostaform LPT POM grades, which deliver:
• An easy to use, single-layer solution that meets EPA and CARB permeation regulations
• Barrier properties inherent to POM resin — will not degrade, scratch or wear off
• Up to 25 percent reduction in manufacturing time vs. other gas tank materials
• No precipitating oligomer-clogging compounds
• Strength and impact properties that provide outstanding tank durability — even at -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Proven long-term fuel resistance
• Compatible characteristics with high-ethanol fuels
• Barrier performance easily verified during production or in the field
• No fluorination or other secondary post treatments required, which delivers a cost effective solution
“In addition, the Hostaform LPT POM property profile can help customers increase their productivity via faster cycle times, which can save energy and lower their unit per tank costs,” Zollos added.

Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE) is a global technology leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. With sales almost equally divided between North America, Europe and Asia, the company uses the full breadth of its global chemistry, technology and business expertise to create value for customers and the corporation. Celanese partners with customers to solve their most critical needs while making a positive impact on its communities and the world. Based in Dallas, Texas, Celanese employs approximately 7,600 employees worldwide and had 2012 net sales of $6.4 billion.

Source: Celanese