Developed to meet increasingly demanding requirements for wear resistance and sliding properties, the Mipelon and Lubmer product families offer a high-performance, low-density alternative to PTFE in coating applications where extreme heat resistance is not required.
Mitsui Chemicals Europe has introduced advanced ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) alternatives, uniquely optimised to elevate the performance of industrial surface treatments.
Designed for uniform, high-performance coatings, the Mipelon family of spherical UHMW-PE fine powders delivers long-term improvements to surface sliding properties and abrasion resistance. The additives operate reliably at temperatures up to 120 °C, while the special PM200C grade extends this threshold to 200 °C when utilised in hydrocarbon oil.
- Superior Surface Uniformity:
Compared to conventional PTFE fine powders, Mipelon grades feature a highly spherical shape and a significantly narrower particle size distribution with a low proportion of large particles. This ensures superior dispersibility within coating formulations, yielding extremely uniform finished surfaces.
- Lower Friction and High Wear Resistance: At identical dosages, Mipelon's superior tribological structure often achieves a lower coefficient of sliding friction and higher abrasion resistance than PTFE. Its long-term sliding friction and wear performance also significantly outperform PA11, PA12, and PE waxes.
- Versatile Formulation Options:
Due to average particle diameters ranging from under 5 µm and 6 µm up to 65 µm, these fine powders are ideally suited for chemically resistant surface treatments. This includes powder coatings, as well as water- and solvent-based spray and dip coatings.
- Chemical Immunity:
Surfaces treated with Mipelon exhibit exceptional chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic chemicals, paired with low water absorption. Furthermore, all grades comply with EU and US regulations for food contact.
Complementing the powder portfolio, the Lubmer UHMW-PE family introduces specialised solutions for industrial wear-strips, profiles, and compounding:
- PFAS-Free Surface Modifier:
Lubmer LY1040 serves as a PFAS-free additive compatible with most engineering plastics. Adding just 3% to 5% completely replaces PTFE as a modifier, significantly increasing the wear resistance and improving the sliding properties of the final material while leaving other performance properties virtually unaffected.
- Extruded and Moulded Profiles:
Available as granules with varying melt viscosities, Lubmer allows for the extrusion of highly abrasion-resistant profiles, sheets, plates, and hoses to protect high-friction industrial surfaces. The portfolio includes the self-lubricating Lubmer L5220 and the weather-resistant TM-80B grade.