12/06/2007

High-gloss PP replaces ABS in Samsung refrigerators

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The Korean appliance manufacturer has achieved cost savings using a new polypropylene grade supplied by Polymirae, Basell’s joint venture in South Korea.

“We believe this is one of the first applications of high-gloss polypropylene in visible parts for refrigerator applications,” commented G.Y. Ha, Polymirae’s technology support manager.

Three ranges of refrigerators manufactured in Korea by Samsung’s appliances division now fit a total of 23 different polypropylene components, ranging from ice trays to vegetable baskets and shelf units.

Samsung initially asked a number of polypropylene suppliers to provide candidate materials for the refrigerator applications. The specification stressed high stiffness and low-temperature impact resistance, coupled with excellent gloss and scratch resistance.

Cooperative development

Working together with Basell’s R&D centres, PolyMirae was able to develop a copolymer reactor grade that met Samsung’s specific request.

The resulting resin, Moplen EP649N, was produced in one of PolyMirae’s Spheripol plants in Korea. It was evaluated by Samsung and found to meet or exceed all of their requirements.

Samsung is continuing to explore the potential of new-generation polypropylene materials in its white-goods portfolio. “PolyMirae is also supplying Samsung with Moplen EP649N for the brush cover and panels of   vacuum cleaners for the US market,” said Mr Ha. “Meanwhile, moulding trials for washing machine tops using the same grade have shown very promising results.”