Reactor Thermoplastic Olefins - A New Class of High Performance Materials for Bumper Systems

Thermoplastic olefin materials (TPOs) have traditionally been manufactured by mechanically blending elastomer and polypropylene. Through recent technological breakthroughs by Himont in catalyst and process technology, however, TPOs can now be produced directly in a polymerization reactor process. This paper will illustrate the advantages of using these new “reactor TPOs” in automotive bumper applications.