Getting to know the types of polymer compounds and their applications

Compound is a combination of polymer materials such as polyethylene grades and other such things, which are added to raw materials in order to increase physical, mechanical and thermal properties. These compounds are generally produced in the form of granules and used in the composition of various polymer products. In other words, the compound includes a mixture of several types of polymer bases with additives to improve the structure and properties of the manufactured product.

Sometimes, when producing some polymer products, manufacturers face problems such as weak physical properties, reduced properties, undesirable color, etc. As a result, the masterbatch cannot be used due to product incompatibility. In these cases, by adding materials such as compounds during the plastic injection and extrusion process, they strengthen the chemical properties and reactivity of the product. From the economic and health point of view, the use of compounds in the production of polymer products is more economical than masterbatch types. Because the compound does not have the side costs of cleaning and compounds in using the masterbatch.

The compound consists of three main components in its structure, which are used to increase the properties of the product. These three components include polymer base, compatibilizing agent and other additives. Therefore, the compound must be added to the product that also has a polymer base so that it can be more easily integrated with it. The task of the second component is to create compatibility between the compound and the product so that it can be uniformly mixed with the product. Otherwise, the compound will not spread uniformly and continuously in polymer materials. The third component of the compound improves the properties and characteristics of the final product, some of which lead to color changes in the final piece.

In general, in many applications, we need to add other materials to polymer bases to obtain certain properties. Two types of the most common polymer compounds are polyethylene polymer compound and propylene polymer compound. In fact, when we add additives to a polymer of polyethylene structure, the result is a polyethylene polymer compound, and on the other hand, when additives are added to a polymer of propylene structure, the result is a polypropylene polymer compound. Different industries use polymer compounds depending on the desired applications in the production of their products. In many industries, it is possible to use both, but in general, due to the properties that polyethylenes have, they are mostly used in the packaging, automotive, etc. industries, and because of the properties that propylene has in industries such as Pipes, home appliances, etc. are mostly used.

Polyethylene compound is one of the most important and practical types of compound, which is widely used in the production of polyethylene pipes for water supply. This type of compound consists of a series of industrial waste and other chemical materials, which has properties such as high resistance to direct sunlight and various mechanical impacts. The mentioned compound, while having an ideal quality, has a reasonable price; For this reason, it has the ability to compete with similar foreign markets. In the following, we will examine the most important grades of polyethylene compound. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): This polyethylene has low tensile strength, and its other characteristics include flexibility and the possibility of decomposition by microorganisms. Heavy High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): This polyethylene has higher tensile strength than other polyethylenes. Medium density polyethylene (MDPE): It is a special type of polyethylene that is between heavy polyethylene and light polyethylene in terms of polymer structure and density. Most medium density polyethylenes have a linear structure and have special applications such as the production of large tanks for water storage, etc. Linear light polyethylene (LLDPE): Linear light polyethylene is obtained by adding normal butene comonomer to ethylene during the polymerization process. Linear light polyethylene has superior mechanical properties compared to light polyethylene, for example, by adding it to light polyethylene, polymer films with higher strength and tensile strength can be produced. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE): Polyethylene with a molecular weight between 3 and 6 million is called ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or UHMWPE. Polyethylene with a very high molecular mass is used in other cases such as making resistant pipes in the oil and gas industry, waste discharge pipes, etc.

Polypropylene compound is another type of compound used in the production of polymer products that has a composite structure. After polyethylene, this compound is one of the most widely used types of compounds. This type of compound is used in the manufacture of car parts, the production of household appliances and plastic items used in kitchens, and the preparation of pipes and fittings.

This group of compounds have high mechanical and thermal properties. This type of compound is widely used in various automotive, household appliance, electrical and electronic industries. This type of compound is mostly used in products that are covering and insulating.

Filling compound is produced based on different percentages of filler and according to different polymer bases. The type of structural formula used in this type of compound, besides creating excellent properties in polymer products, also reduces the final price of the product. The mentioned compound is used in extrusion, plastic injection and thermoforming processes.