New silicone-polyethylene hybrid technology from Dow takes a step toward a more circular economy
MIDLAND, Mich. – Addressing the need for innovative and sustainable alternatives in the plastic composites industry, Dow (NYSE: Dow) has developed AMPLIFY™ Si Silicone Enhanced Polymer Systems (SEPS), a silicone-polyethylene hybrid technology that improves product performance and helps divert plastic waste from landfills. AMPLIFY™ Si PE 1000, designed for wood-plastic composite decking, is the first of a series of products Dow expects to launch under the new SEPS platform.
“Dow’s AMPLIFY™Si PE 1000 enables manufacturers to utilize more economical options, such as a variety of recycled plastic and higher levels of fillers, in their wood composite manufacturing processes,” said Mauro Gregorio, business president, Dow Consumer Solutions. “By incorporating this product into wood-plastic composite boards, manufacturers can more easily bring new life to recycled plastic, a tremendous contribution to sustainability and product reuse. AMPLIFY™Si PE 1000 also reduces energy costs and carbon footprint associated with this manufacturing process.”
AMPLIFY™ Si PE 1000 allows for higher throughput, lower melt temperature and less thermal degradation, and manufacturers can also expect to see higher production rates, lower rejection rates and overall improvement in the tensile and flex strength of their wood-plastic composite boards. Beyond decking, AMPLIFY™ Si SEPS can be used with similar results in applications, such as docks, railing, wall cladding, siding, fencing, window profiles, automotive and many other applications.
“This new family of products, which utilizes ‘silicone-polyethylene hybrid technology’, drives sustainability and innovation across many industries, provides a unique value proposition to our customers and helps to facilitate the transition to a circular economy,” said Gregorio.
AMPLIFY™ Si PE 1000 will be featured at K 2019 from October 16-23, 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Visit the Dow booth (Hall 8a / K48-1 – K48-4) or the website dow.com/SEPS to learn more.
