SABIC announced Noryl WM300G, a specialty resin for water management components designed to deliver high impact resistance and high strength without traditional impact modifiers that can release butadiene during processing or use. According to the company, adopting this material can help customers address possible future restrictions on butadiene in drinking water while providing improved mechanical performance relative to the incumbent Noryl 713S. In internal comparisons, the new grade shows a 20 to 30 percent increase in burst strength and also surpasses the legacy material in fatigue performance as well as flexural and tensile modulus. The resin features low moisture absorption, good dimensional stability and an attractive surface appearance, and it is food contact compliant. It is formulated without bisphenol A and without intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and is currently awaiting global drinking water certifications.
“Drawing on our deep expertise and years of experience in water management, Sabic anticipates customers’ future needs by addressing issues such as new possible regulatory restrictions on butadiene,” said Sergi Monros, vice president, SABIC Polymers, Specialties BU. “The new Noryl WM300G resin offers a drop-in replacement for the incumbent resin and delivers improved properties, providing a seamless transition to the newest material technology.”
Material formulation and performance
Noryl WM300G is formulated without conventional impact modifiers that can degrade under high molding temperatures and long barrel residence times. Degradation of these modifiers can release butadiene molecules, which can subsequently leach into drinking water. The new grade uses an alternative impact mechanism aimed at improving processing stability to avoid the release of butadiene while maintaining high impact performance and strength. In burst pressure testing relevant to shower heads, faucets, valves and internal water meter components, the material demonstrates 20 to 30 percent higher burst strength of 80 to 81 MPa compared to 64 to 65 MPa for Noryl 713S. In addition, the new resin surpasses the incumbent grade in fatigue performance and in flexural and tensile modulus.
Processing and applications
The resin is a non-reinforced, impact-modified blend of polyphenylene ether, PPE, and polystyrene, PS. Beyond injection molding of functional parts such as shower heads, faucets, valves and water meter internals, the material can be extruded to produce pipes and profiles. Its low moisture absorption and dimensional stability support tight tolerances in finished parts, and the surface quality can be advantageous for visible components.
Technical support and certification status
Noryl WM300G is food contact compliant and is formulated without bisphenol A and without intentionally added PFAS. The grade is currently awaiting global drinking water certifications. Sabic supports Noryl customers through its Water Management Center of Excellence in the Netherlands, which provides predictive engineering, mold flow analysis, 3D simulation, testing and validation. The center is accessible to customers worldwide via a digital interface for remote collaboration with experts.
SABIC’s Water Management Center of Excellence provides specialized services and data to customers worldwide.
