Basell has developed a new resin, Moplen RP1669, which can address the challenging requirements presented by  customers seeking an improved soft touch and cloth-like feel for nonwoven materials they intend to use in a variety of
hygienic, personal care and medical apparel applications.

Moplen RP1669 is an innovative copolymer based on Basell’s state-of-the-art Spherizone polypropylene technology. “The interest shown by customers who have tried the product in the pre-commercial phase indicates that Moplen RP1669 has features that can make it a ideal candidate for numerous customer applications such as hospital gowns and laboratory coats, sterile wrap, headrest covers, table cloths, sanitary towels for feminine care, diaper back sheets and face masks,” said Franco Sartori, Technical Manager for Textiles in Basell Polyolefins Europe. “Customers producing these products require from our materials a superior level of performance both from an aesthetic and a soft-touch standpoint, as well as a protection and durability level.”

Due to its fluidity (MFR 25) and narrow molecular mass distribution, Moplen RP1669 resin can allow for the production of fine denier titre combined with excellent spinnability at standard productivity levels on all spunbond technologies. The material’s nonwoven mechanical properties are comparable to a standard homopolymer grade. According to Sartori, customers have satisfactorily tried Moplen RP1669 in the production of soft continuous filament applications and for the production of PP-based undergarments. “In these types of applications, the Moplen grade has shown that it can help achieve a cotton-like feel along with the transpiration features of polypropylene - an excellent combination for sports, leisure and work clothing.”

Basell is the world's largest producer of polypropylene and advanced polyolefin products, a leading supplier of polyethylene and catalysts, and a global leader in the development and licensing of polypropylene and polyethylene processes. Basell, together with its joint ventures, has manufacturing facilities around the world and sells products in more than 120 countries. Additional information about Basell is available at www.basell.com.

For more information contact Michelle Harrell, Basell Corporate Communications, at
+1 410 996 1366, +1 302 438 6574 or michelle.harrell@basell.com