Borouge HC205TF Polypropylene
High-Performance Polypropylene for Superior Thermoforming
Engineered with Borstar® and advanced Nucleation Technology for unmatched efficiency, clarity, and strength in rigid packaging.
Get Technical DatasheetExecutive Summary
This document provides a comprehensive technical analysis of Borouge HC205TF, a special nucleated polypropylene homopolymer (PP-H) engineered for high-performance thermoforming applications. As a flagship product from Borouge—a leading petrochemical company established in 1998 through a strategic partnership between ADNOC and Borealis AG—HC205TF embodies a legacy of innovation. The material's exceptional properties are founded upon proprietary Borealis technologies: the Borstar® bimodal manufacturing process and the advanced Borstar Nucleation Technology (BNT).
The primary driver of HC205TF's success is its ability to deliver significant gains in manufacturing efficiency. The BNT formulation results in a high crystallization temperature, enabling reduced cooling times, shorter production cycles, and a substantial increase in manufacturing output.
HC205TF offers a trifecta of benefits:
- Superior Processability: A broad, stable processing window and consistent post-forming shrinkage minimize warpage and enhance dimensional accuracy.
- Optimized Performance: An excellent balance of high stiffness for structural integrity and down-gauging potential, coupled with good impact strength and outstanding optical properties (high clarity, transparency, and gloss).
- Excellent Organoleptic Properties: It imparts no undesirable taste or odor, making it ideal for sensitive food packaging, backed by extensive global regulatory approvals.
1. Material Science and Performance Characteristics
1.1 Polymer Architecture and Nucleation Technology
HC205TF (CAS 9003-07-0) is a Polypropylene Homopolymer (PP-H) produced via the proprietary Borstar® dual-reactor process. This creates a bimodal molecular weight distribution, achieving both excellent processability and robust mechanical properties. Its defining feature is the Borstar Nucleation Technology (BNT), which introduces highly efficient nucleating agents. These agents initiate crystal formation at a much higher temperature (Peak Crystallisation Temperature of 125 °C), significantly reducing cooling time and shortening production cycles for increased profitability.
1.2 Rheological and Physical Properties
Melt Flow Rate (MFR): A value of 4.0 g/10min (230°C/2.16 kg) provides an ideal balance for thermoforming—fluid enough for extrusion while maintaining melt strength to prevent sagging.
Density: A low density of 905 kg/m³ offers a significant economic advantage, yielding more finished parts per kilogram of resin compared to denser polymers like PET or PVC.
1.3 Mechanical Performance Profile
HC205TF overcomes the typical trade-off between stiffness and impact strength. BNT creates a fine, uniform crystalline morphology, enhancing both properties simultaneously.
- High Stiffness: Flexural Modulus of ~1700–1750 MPa and Tensile Modulus of 1750 MPa enable thin-walled designs with good top-load strength.
- Good Toughness: Charpy Notched Impact Strength of 4–5 kJ/m² and Izod Notched Impact Strength of 40 J/m prevent brittle failure.
- Hardness: A Rockwell Hardness (R-scale) of 106 indicates good scratch and abrasion resistance.
1.4 Thermal Behavior and Processing Advantages
Excellent thermal stability makes HC205TF suitable for hot-fill and microwaveable applications.
- Melting Temperature (Tm): 163 °C to 168 °C
- Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): 105 °C to 107 °C (at 0.45 MPa)
- Vicat Softening Temperature: 145 °C to 155 °C
1.5 Optical and Organoleptic Properties
Aesthetics: BNT fosters a fine crystalline structure, minimizing light scattering to deliver excellent clarity, high gloss, and superior transparency, rivaling materials like PET.
Organoleptics: The grade is exceptionally "clean" and does not impart any taste or odor, making it perfect for sensitive food packaging like margarine and yogurt tubs.
2. Applications and Processing Guidelines
2.1 Recommended Applications
Primarily used for thermoforming (in-line and off-line), HC205TF is ideal for:
- High-Clarity Rigid Packaging (trays, cups, containers)
- Food Packaging (margarine tubs, dairy, takeaway)
- Housewares (thin-walled items)
- Component Manufacturing (lids, blended with copolymers)
- Industrial Applications (strapping, stretch tape, monofilaments)
2.2 Recommended Processing Parameters
Sheet Extrusion Melt Temp: 210 – 240 °C
Thermoforming Sheet Temp: 140 – 155 °C (Solid Phase) / 180 – 225 °C (Melt Phase)
Mould Temperature: 20 – 40 °C
Shrinkage: 1.5 – 2.5% (consistent and predictable)
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Contact Sales3. Global Regulatory and Food Contact Compliance
HC205TF is positioned as a "globally pre-vetted" material, significantly reducing compliance burdens and time-to-market for multinational brands. It meets stringent requirements for plastic materials intended for food contact in major international markets.
- European Union: Complies with (EC) No 1935/2004, (EU) No 10/2011, and GMP (EC) No 2023/2006.
- United States (FDA): Complies with 21 CFR § 177.1520 for all food types under Conditions of Use A through H.
- Other Jurisdictions: Compliant in Switzerland, Türkiye, and Mercosur.
- Chemical & Environmental: Fully compliant with EU REACH, RoHS, Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC, and requires no label under California Proposition 65.
- Toy Safety: Complies with EN 71-3 & EN 71-9.
A comprehensive statement on restricted and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), including PFAS, Bisphenols, and Heavy Metals, is available to support customer risk assessments.
4. Health, Safety, and Environmental Profile
Hazard Identification (GHS)
While not classified as hazardous in solid pellet form, key operational risks include combustibility, dust explosion hazard, and slip hazards from spills. Processing fumes may cause respiratory irritation.
Safe Handling and Storage
- Ensure adequate ventilation and local exhaust at the extruder die head.
- Control dust and ignition sources; ground all equipment to prevent static discharge.
- Store in dry conditions below 50°C, away from direct sunlight.
First Aid & Sustainability
Molten Polymer Contact: Cool affected area immediately with large amounts of cold water. DO NOT attempt to remove solidified polymer. Seek immediate medical attention.
Recyclability: HC205TF is a thermoplastic and is fully recyclable. Clean in-house production waste can be reground and blended with virgin material.
Disclaimer: This product is not intended for use in medical, pharmaceutical, or healthcare applications.
Appendix: Technical Data & Compliance Summary
Appendix A: Consolidated Technical Data Table
| Property Category | Property Name | Typical Value(s) | Unit | Test Method(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheological | Melt Flow Rate (230°C/2.16kg) | 4 | g/10min | ISO 1133 |
| Physical | Density | 900 - 910 | kg/m³ | ISO 1183 |
| Mechanical | Flexural Modulus | 1700 - 1750 | MPa | ISO 178 |
| Tensile Modulus (1mm/min) | 1750 | MPa | ISO 527-2 | |
| Tensile Stress at Yield (50mm/min) | 35.5 | MPa | ISO 527-2 | |
| Charpy Impact, notched (23°C) | 4 - 5 | kJ/m² | ISO 179/1eA | |
| IZOD Impact, notched (23°C) | 40 | J/m | ASTM D256 | |
| Thermal | Melting Temperature (DSC) | 163 - 168 | °C | ISO 3146 |
| Crystallisation Temperature (DSC) | 125 | °C | ISO 11357-3 | |
| Heat Deflection Temp (0.45 MPa) | 105 - 107 | °C | ISO 75-2 | |
| Vicat Softening Temp (A/A50) | 145 - 155 | °C | ISO 306 | |
| Hardness | Rockwell Hardness (R-scale) | 106 | - | ISO 2039-2 |
Appendix B: Summary of Regulatory Compliance
| Regulation / Standard | Jurisdiction | Subject | Compliance Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 | European Union | Plastics in Food Contact | Compliant |
| FDA 21 CFR § 177.1520 | United States | Olefin Polymers in Food Contact | Compliant (A-H) |
| REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 | European Union | Chemical Safety (SVHC, etc.) | Compliant |
| RoHS (Directive 2011/65/EU) | European Union | Hazardous Substances in EEE | Compliant |
| EN 71-3 & EN 71-9 | European Union | Toy Safety | Compliant |
| California Proposition 65 | USA (California) | Toxic Chemicals | Compliant (No label) |