Vertellus is introducing ZeMac^® Extend P, a chain extender additive that facilitates upgrading of recycled polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for use in a variety of target applications.

The company is presenting the new patent-pending technology during NPE 2018, which is taking place from 7 May to 11 May.

As a chain extender additive used to upgrade recycled polyester, ZeMac^® Extend P increases molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity (IV) of recycled and virgin PET.

Delivering improved melt viscosity and increasing melt strength, ZeMac^® Extend P reduces sagging of the extrudate, resulting in faster production. It also counteracts hydrolytic degradation and improves impact strength.

From a performance perspective, ZeMac^® Extend P can be used in a breadth of target applications and delivers performance close to that achieved using 100% virgin materials. Examples of suitable applications include staple and filament fibres; injection moulding; film, sheet, tape and profile extrusion; bottle blow moulding; and strapping and foamed sheets.

ZeMac^® Extend P also supports sustainability efforts, enabling low-cost post-industrial and post-consumer recycled PET to be utilised and incorporating glass fibre, minerals and impact modifiers.

Marketing manager at Vertellus Prasad Taranekar said: “As varied industries seek technologies to improve material performance and support sustainable production processes, ZeMac^® Extend P offers an innovative solution for improving intrinsic viscosity and impact strength while supporting efficient production.”