描述
TPX RT18 is a transparent polymethylpentene (PMP) copolymer resin manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. – the world‘s sole producer of TPX brand PMP resins. As an authorized distributor and trader, we supply genuine material with full traceability and direct access to official Mitsui Chemicals technical documentation. For more product options and company information, please visit our website at https://szrqchem.com/.
TPX is a crystalline polyolefin made from 4-methylpentene-1, produced by Mitsui Chemicals’ special technology of molecular design and catalyst. TPX RT18 offers an exceptional combination of properties:
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Highest heat resistance among transparent plastics – melting point of 237°C
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Superior optical clarity – 94% light transmittance with 1% haze
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Lightest among all plastics – density of only 0.833 g/cm³
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Excellent releasability – surface tension of 24 dyne/cm
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Outstanding chemical resistance – strong against acids and alkalis
TPX RT18 is FDA compliant for food contact applications and can be processed via injection molding, film extrusion, blow molding, and fiber extrusion.
With its unique combination of transparency, heat resistance, lightweight, and chemical resistance, TPX RT18 is an ideal alternative to polycarbonate (PC), acrylic (PMMA), polysulfone (PSF), and glass in demanding applications.
Key Features of TPX RT18
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Highest Heat Resistance – Melting point of 237°C; Vicat softening point of 173°C; UL 746B temperature index of 115°C; excellent heat aging and steam (boiling water) resistance
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Lowest Specific Gravity – Density of only 0.833 g/cm³ – the lightest among all commercial plastics
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Superior Optical Clarity – Light transmittance of 94% with haze of 1%; refractive index of 1.463; high UV transmittance (300-400nm)
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Excellent Release Properties – Low surface tension of 24 dyne/cm provides easy release and prevents contamination from clinging
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FDA Compliant – Approved for food contact applications per FDA 21 CFR
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Outstanding Chemical Resistance – Strong against acids and alkalis; low water absorption (<0.01%)
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Excellent Electrical Properties – Low dielectric constant of 2.12 at 1MHz and high voltage resistance
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High Gas Permeability – Very high gas permeability, suitable for applications requiring breathability
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Versatile Processing – Suitable for injection molding, film extrusion, blow molding, and fiber extrusion
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UL 94 HB – UL 94 flammability rating of HB
Typical Applications for TPX RT18
| Industry | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Release Films & Papers | Release films for synthetic leather manufacturing; release papers for various industrial processes |
| LED Manufacturing | LED molds and mandrels |
| Medical Devices | Medical syringes; blood test cells; laboratory ware; sterilization containers |
| Food Contact | Microwave oven tableware; baking cartons; food packaging (FDA compliant) |
| Semiconductor & FPC | FPC production process release films; semiconductor manufacturing tools |
| Cosmetic Packaging | Cosmetic caps and tubes |
| Fiber Applications | Heat-resistant nonwoven fabrics; synthetic fibers |
| Optical Applications | Optical windows; microfluidic substrates; lightweight shields in medical, analytical, and optical instruments |
| General Industrial | Chemical tubes; analytical instruments; sight glass (pipes, sheets) |
Material Advantages
TPX RT18 is a high-performance transparent resin that delivers:
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Lightest Thermoplastic – With a density of only 0.833 g/cm³, TPX RT18 significantly reduces part weight compared to PC, PMMA, PSF, or glass
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Exceptional Clarity – 94% light transmittance rivals PMMA while offering superior heat resistance
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Superior Heat Resistance – Melting point of 237°C far exceeds conventional transparent resins like PC or PMMA
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Easy Release – Low surface tension (24 dyne/cm) prevents sticking and contamination, reducing cleaning downtime
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FDA Compliance – Approved for food contact, enabling use in food packaging and food processing applications
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Design Flexibility – Can be processed by injection molding, film extrusion, blow molding, and fiber extrusion
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Excellent Chemical Resistance – Strong against acids and alkalis; low water absorption (<0.01%)
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Excellent Electrical Insulation – Low dielectric constant (2.12 at 1MHz) and high voltage resistance
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Proven Reliability – Manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, the world’s sole producer of TPX resins
Typical Properties
| Property | TPX RT18 | Unit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.833 | g/cm³ | ASTM D1505 |
| Melt Flow Rate (260°C, 5kg) | 26 | g/10min | ASTM D1238 |
| Melting Point | 237 | °C | MCI Method |
| Vicat Softening Point | 173 | °C | ASTM D1525 |
| Light Transmittance | 94 | % | – |
| Haze | 1 | % | – |
| Refractive Index | 1.463 | – | – |
| Tensile Strength | 20 | MPa | – |
| Elongation at Break | 32 | % | – |
| Flexural Modulus | 1,570 | MPa | ASTM D790 |
| Rockwell Hardness | R85 | – | – |
| Izod Impact (notched) | 40 | J/m | – |
| Heat Deflection Temp. (0.45MPa) | 90 | °C | ASTM D648 |
| Water Absorption (24 hrs) | <0.01 | % | – |
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹⁶ | Ω·cm | ASTM D257 |
| Dielectric Constant (1MHz) | 2.12 | – | – |
| Dissipation Factor (1kHz) | 0.0002 | – | – |
| UL 94 Flammability | HB | – | – |
| FDA Compliance | Yes | – | FDA 21 CFR |
Important Notes on Typical Data:
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Values listed are typical and sourced from Mitsui Chemicals official data sheets. They do not constitute binding product specification.
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Batch-to-batch deviations may exist. For critical applications, validate performance with batch-specific COA certificate.
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Final performance depends on processing conditions, mold design, and part geometry.
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Mitsui Chemicals official TDS shall serve as definitive technical reference. Request the latest official TDS from our sales team.
Processing Guidelines
| Parameter | Recommended Conditions |
|---|---|
| Drying | Not normally required; if needed, dry at 80-100°C for 2-3 hours |
| Injection Molding Temperature | 290-310°C |
| Mold Temperature | 40-80°C |
| Film Extrusion Temperature | 260-300°C |
| Blow Molding Temperature | 260-300°C |
| Fiber Extrusion Temperature | 260-300°C |
Critical Processing Warnings:
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Drying: TPX RT18 is not hygroscopic and typically does not require drying. If moisture is a concern, dry at 80-100°C for 2-3 hours.
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Gate Design: Pin gate is the most suitable for TPX molds due to excellent flowability. Avoid large gates that can cause residual stress and gate cracks.
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Cooling: Sufficient and well-balanced cooling channels are essential due to TPX’s crystalline nature and larger shrinkage compared to amorphous polymers.
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Surface Finish: Highly polished mold surface is recommended for excellent transparency.
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Shrinkage: Mold design should account for higher shrinkage. Off-center gates are recommended to prevent warpage.
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Regrind: Regrind can be used up to 20-30% with virgin material, provided it is clean and properly dried.
Related Products
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Explore TPX Transparent Resins – Browse all TPX resin options
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Explore Engineering Plastics – Browse all engineering plastic materials
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About Our Company – Learn more about our supply capabilities and quality assurance
Technical Documents
| Document Type | Description & Source |
|---|---|
| Mitsui Chemicals Official TDS | Complete physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of TPX RT18 |
| Mitsui Chemicals Official SDS | GHS-compliant chemical safety documentation |
| FDA Compliance Declaration | FDA 21 CFR food contact compliance statement |
| COA (Certificate of Analysis) | Batch-specific quality certification |
| Processing Guide | Detailed processing guidelines for TPX resins |
Request any document above by:
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Email:
ruiqingchem@gmail.com -
Online form: Our contact page
We reply within one working business day. Please clearly state product (TPX RT18) and document type you require.
FAQ
Q1: What is TPX RT18 and what is it used for?
A: TPX RT18 is a transparent polymethylpentene (PMP) copolymer resin manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals. It combines high heat resistance (melting point 237°C), >90% light transmittance, and the lowest specific gravity among all plastics (0.833 g/cm³). It is widely used in LED molds, release films, medical devices, food packaging, and optical applications.
Q2: Is TPX RT18 FDA compliant?
A: Yes. TPX RT18 is FDA compliant for food contact applications per FDA 21 CFR.
Q3: What is the density of TPX RT18?
A: The density is 0.833 g/cm³, the lowest among all commercial plastics.
Q4: What is the melting point of TPX RT18?
A: The melting point is 237°C.
Q5: What is the light transmittance of TPX RT18?
A: The light transmittance is 94% with haze of only 1%.
Q6: What is the surface tension of TPX RT18?
A: The surface tension is approximately 24 dyne/cm, providing excellent release properties.
Q7: What processing methods can be used for TPX RT18?
A: TPX RT18 can be processed by injection molding, film extrusion, blow molding, and fiber extrusion.
Q8: What is the MFR of TPX RT18?
A: The Melt Flow Rate is 26 g/10min at 260°C, 5kg.
Q9: What is the lead time for orders?
A: Regular orders ship within 7-10 working days after payment confirmation. Large-volume or urgent orders can be negotiated separately.
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Sample Policy:
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Samples are for laboratory validation tests only, not for production use.
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Buyer bears international sample-shipping freight.
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If bulk-product performance deviates from sample reference, Mitsui Chemicals official TDS serves as the authoritative benchmark.
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After-Sales Support
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Quality Inspection Period | All quality-related claims must be submitted within 7 working-days after delivery, supported by test data and photographic evidence. |
| Return / Exchange Policy | Confirmed product defects caused by our side trigger replacement or refund. Terms and conditions apply. |
| Logistics Damage | Report shipping damage directly to carrier immediately upon goods receipt. We assist with claim-document preparation. |
| Technical Support | Remote technical guidance available. On-site troubleshooting can be arranged upon special request. |
| Export Documentation | We supply commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, COA, and additional compliance certificates (e.g., FDA) on request. |
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER: All technical data is referenced from original Mitsui Chemicals typical values for TPX RT18. Our company acts as authorized distributor/trader rather than original manufacturer. Final performance depends on processing conditions, mold design, and part geometry. Buyers shall independently validate product suitability for individual applications. Our firm bears no liability for product failure caused by improper processing or improper usage. Always reference the latest Mitsui Chemicals official TDS of TPX RT18 as the definitive specification.
