Celanese Develops New XT Grades for Superior Toughness by Expanding its Hostaform® POM S Series

Celanese Corporation, the global technology and specialty materials company, celebrated 50 years of the Celcon®/ Hostaform® acetal copolymer (POM) product line by expanding its S series of impact modified POM to include two new extreme toughened XT grades for applications that require exceptional impact strength and flexibility in demanding environments.

Hostaform XT 20 and XT 90, which complement and expand the existing Hostaform S series, are designed to compete in application areas previously reserved for highly modified impact modified acetal copolymers and homopolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes and impact modified polyamide (PA) resins.

"Hostaform S and XT grades can outperform all impact modified POMs available today," said Mervyn Cox, global Hostaform POM product marketing manager - Celanese. "They can help designers push the boundaries in a broad range of fastener, buckle, dampening gear and housing applications that are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, consumer and industrial."

This is achieved with proprietary Celanese POM hybrid technology that allows lower levels of impact modifiers to be used while enabling significant improvements in mechanical properties and weld-line strength retention vs. competitive impact-modified POM.

Hostaform S and XT grades offer inherent benefits - resilience, humidity independence and an expansive operating temperature – clear advantages vs. impact modified PAs.

"In addition, lower modifier levels enhance tribology - slip and wear and chemical resistance characteristics," added Cox.

The Celanese hybrid technology enhances the attributes of Hostaform XT POM to include:

• Improved toughness to strength ratio - potential weight saving
• Enhancement mechanical Properties - broader design freedom
• Superior weld line strength - simplifies design
• Humidity independent - low moisture absorption
• Superior creep characteristics - improves long-term part performance
• Enhanced thermal stability - improves productivity robustness

Source: Celanese