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Solutions for polyolefins (PE, PP, PB, PIB).

Polyethylene (PE) is the most manufactured synthetic in industry. Everyday objects such as shopping bags, freezer bags, buckets, laundry baskets, beverage crates, trash cans, etc. are usually made of polyethylene. Conduits and cable insulation are also frequently made from this material.

Polypropylene (PP) is a relatively new material and is similar to PE. Carpets, artificial turf, and rope are produced from PP, the most lightweight of all the chemical fibers. Other areas of application are similar to those for PE: home packaging materials, housings, components for household electrical devices, suitcase shells, automobile components, bottles, films, etc.

Polybutylene (PB) and other polyolefins are used for injection-molded parts, extrusion processes, pipes, films, and sealants or are added to other plastics.

Buhler was already supplying handling systems for PP and PE in the 1970s. A large system for PP powder and PP granules, including thermal treatment of the product, was delivered to ICI Australia in 1979.

Buhler offers the right solutions – from individual process steps to full systems, at a variety of levels – that give users a competitive edge.

Polyolefins (PE, PP, PB, PIB) – historical overview.

Polyolefins (PE, PP, PB, PIB) and other well known plastics such as PVC, PMMA and PS, are the major polymers for the different markets. The history of polyolefins began on March 27, 1933 in an ICI laboratory, when R. O. Gibson discovered PE while observing another reaction.

At first this low-loss insulator was used in radar technology. The product known as polyethylene (PE) really took off once it found its way into civilian applications. Through further research and development of other processes, a linear high density polyethylene was later developed.

Polyolefin chemistry found its way throughout the world and groundbreaking successes were achieved. Through the selection of catalysts with a specific effect and appropriate process control, methods were discovered for manufacturing modified materials such as polypropylene (PP), polybutylene (PB), and polyisobutylene (PIB). The use of metallocene catalysts, for example, now enables the manufacture of polyolefins with special physical and chemical properties.

More Information

Polyamide SSP Polyamide Drying & Conditioning SAP Polyolefines Polycarbonate Bio-Polymers Polyoxymethylene Polybutylenterephthalate

Key Features

Process performance
  • Very gentle handling of pellets, no dust generation and therefore no product loss.
  • De-dusting with fluid beds.
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Process Description

Polyolefins and other synthetics such as PVC, PS, PMMA, etc. occur as pelletizable granules and can be continuously processed in various Buhler machines Depending on the needs of the customer, the plastics are cooled, heated, dried, degassed or treated thermally in multiple, defined consecutive steps.
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