Borealis PP compound boosts long-term performance for white goods

Appliance manufacturers are taking advantage of a new polypropylene (PP) compound GB366WG from Borealis. GB366WG is a 30 per cent glass filled polypropylene with a special detergent stabilisation system, developed specifically as a replacement for stainless steel in dishwasher and washing machine interiors. This new solution lowers production costs and increases production efficiency, while delivering improved, long-term performance.

The lack of corrosion in combination with key mechanical benefits including high stiffness, outstanding impact resistance and uniform shrinkage, ensures that parts made from GB366WG offer long-term durability and performance. The new PP compound has been tailored to provide excellent resistance to the aggressive environment found in these appliances, avoiding discolouration and degradation of parts such as interior tubs and dishwasher basements that result from frequent exposure to high temperatures and detergents.

The white goods industry is highly competitive and is continually striving to increase productivity and reduce costs. Besides the lightweight benefits of PP, GB366WG allows for part integration lowering the number of manufacturing steps and also provides a reduction in finishing requirements. In addition, the need for separate heat and sound insulation is minimised thanks to a decrease in thermal and acoustic transmission.

Werner Posch, Market Development Manager, Borealis Engineering Applications, says: “Parts moulded from PP offer significant cost benefits over traditional stainless steel materials. With GB366WG, appliance manufacturers have the added confidence of ensuring excellent performance for their customers. By working closely with and understanding the needs of our customers, Borealis has developed GB366WG to provide the innovative all-round material the leading white goods players have been looking for.”

Parts made from GB366WG meet US market test UL2157.

With an in depth understanding of the value chain and a focus on customer needs, Borealis continues to provide innovative, value creating polypropylene solutions with optimum performance for the appliances industry.