DSM and its Chinese partner Zhejiang NHU Special Materials (NHU) have officially inaugurated their joint venture for polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) compounds, DSM NHU Engineering Plastics (Zhejiang), which is owned to 60% by DSM and 40% by NHU. Compounds made at the plant located close to the Chinese company’s linear PPS plant in Shangyu, Zheijiang province will be branded Xytron PPS and marketed worldwide, including in China, by DSM. The principal markets being targeted are automotive, electrical & electronic, water management and industrial.

Initially, two standard commercial grades will be offered:  Xytron G4010T, containing 40% glass fiber reinforcement, and Xytron M6510A, which contains 65% glass fiber and mineral filler. Additional grades are being developed with properties such as enhanced wear resistance and low friction, high flow/low flash, and increased impact strength.

DSM said in the run-up to the inauguration that the jv has already won business in three important applications in China and in Europe, with materials currently being evaluated by customers that include key automotive OEMs and tier one suppliers.