Chlorinated Polyolefins (CPO)

Properties and Applications

Chlorinated polyolefins (CPOs) are thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene that have been modified either through the addition of chlorine or chlorine and maleic anhydride. They are mainly used as primers or plastic additives to promote adhesion to difficult-to-bond substrates such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polypropylene / elastomer blends (TPOs). They are either blended with these polymers or, in the case of primer applications, are formulated with (rubberized) reactive resins and are either dissolved in nonpolar solvents such as xylene and toluene or are dispersed in water.

CPOs are extensively used as primers in the automotive industry, for example to improve adhesion of paints to bumpers. They are often a good alternative to corona-, plasma- or flame-treatment. Other applications include printing inks; adhesives, automotive topcoats as well as industrial plastic and metal coatings.

¹According to a report by Markets and Markets, the global adhesion promoter market was worth about $ 2.5 Billion in 2015, and is expected to reach USD 3.6 Billion by 2021.