{"product_id":"low-profile-additive-lpa-fits-smc-bmc-composite-applications-microthene-f-powders","title":"Low Profile Additive (LPA) – Fits SMC\/BMC Composite Applications (Microthene F Powders)","description":"\u003csection\u003e\n\u003c!-- 🔧 Table Styles (include only once per page) --\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  \/* Outer container allows horizontal scrolling (with iOS momentum) *\/\n  .ss-table-wrap { overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch; }\n\n  \/* Base table styles *\/\n  table.ss-table { width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; min-width:640px; }\n  table.ss-table th, table.ss-table td {\n    padding:10px 12px; border:1px solid #e5e7eb; text-align:left; vertical-align:top;\n  }\n\n  \/* Key: prevent wrapping, word breaks, and vertical text in headers *\/\n  table.ss-table th {\n    white-space:nowrap;       \/* Do not wrap *\/\n    word-break:normal;        \/* Don’t break words *\/\n    letter-spacing:normal;    \/* Prevent theme styles from stretching letters *\/\n    font-weight:600;\n    background:#f8fafc;\n  }\n\n  \/* Small screen optimization *\/\n  @media (max-width:480px){\n    table.ss-table th, table.ss-table td { padding:8px 10px; font-size:14px; }\n  }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyondellBasell \u003cstrong\u003eMicrothene F powders\u003c\/strong\u003e are specialized low profile additives (LPA) used in bulk molding compounds (BMC) and sheet molding compounds (SMC). They are engineered to improve surface smoothness, control shrinkage, and enhance color dispersion in fiber-reinforced polyester (FRP) composites, critical for applications in the automotive, appliance, and electrical industries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation Method:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blended directly into the resin mixture during the compounding phase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial Composition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Formulated from high-quality polyethylene.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eParticle Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features an approximate particle size of 100 microns for effective dispersion and performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatible Applications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis additive is designed for composite manufacturing processes. Confirm your application details in the table below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ss-table-wrap\"\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"ss-table\" aria-label=\"Compatible Applications\"\u003e\n    \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eApplication\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eIndustry\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eFeatures\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/thead\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eBulk Molding Compounds (BMC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eFiber-reinforced polyester\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eAutomotive, Appliance, Electrical, Construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eReduces shrinkage, Improves surface finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eGlass fiber content ~20% by weight, fiber length 0.25-0.5 in.\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eSheet Molding Compounds (SMC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eFiber-reinforced polyester\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eAutomotive, Appliance, Electrical, Construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eReduces shrinkage, Improves surface finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eGlass fiber content 30-60% by weight, fiber length 0.75-3.0 in.\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdl\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eLow Profile Additive (LPA)\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eInstallation\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eBlended into resin mix\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eHousing Material\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003ePolyethylene\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eDimensions\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003e15 cm x 15.5 cm x 16 cm (Box)\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eVolume\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003e3720 cm³\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003e120–150°C (Process temperature range)\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eOther Technical Attributes\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eParticle size approximately 100 microns; Insoluble in polyester resins\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat’s in the Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMicrothene F Powder (Package size not specified)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor optimal results, Microthene F powder should be thoroughly blended into the polyester resin before the addition of glass fibers and other fillers. Ensure uniform dispersion within the resin mix to achieve consistent shrinkage control and surface quality. The compounding process should be managed within the recommended operating temperature range of 120–150°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTroubleshooting \u0026amp; FAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eWhat is the purpose of a Low Profile Additive (LPA) like Microthene F?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eIt's added to SMC and BMC composites to counteract resin shrinkage during curing. This results in a dimensionally stable part with a smooth, high-quality \"Class A\" surface finish, which is critical in automotive and appliance manufacturing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eHow does Microthene F improve surface quality?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eDuring the heating and curing process, the polyethylene particles expand, creating microvoids within the resin matrix. This controlled expansion compensates for the natural shrinkage of the polyester resin, preventing sink marks, warpage, and other surface imperfections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eWhat's the difference between its use in SMC vs. BMC?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe primary difference is the glass fiber content and length. Sheet Molding Compounds (SMC) use longer fibers (0.75-3.0 in) at higher concentrations (30-60%), while Bulk Molding Compounds (BMC) use shorter fibers (0.25-0.5 in) at lower concentrations (~20%). Microthene F is effective in both systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eIs this product soluble in polyester resin?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eNo, Microthene F powders are insoluble in polyester resins, which is key to their function. They remain as discrete particles that expand to create the desired low-profile effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eWhat are signs of improper LPA mixing?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003ePoor surface finish, inconsistent color dispersion, blotchiness, or excessive shrinkage are signs that the LPA was not blended thoroughly into the resin mix before adding other components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eOEM vs. Aftermarket?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThis listing is an aftermarket replacement (not OEM). Built to OEM-level specifications with comparable materials. Manufactured in an ISO 9002 facility, batch-inspected for consistency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eShipping speed \u0026amp; cost?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eWe ship worldwide quickly—typical transit 5–15 days. Standard shipping is free; expedited options appear at checkout where available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eWarranty \u0026amp; returns?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eCovered by a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects under normal use. If issues arise, contact support with your order details. Returns are accepted within our standard window (unused \u0026amp; in original condition). See our policy page or reach out for instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Important Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVerify images\/specifications vs your original part. If anything differs—even if your model appears compatible—do not purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThis is an aftermarket replacement, not an OEM component.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProfessional installation is recommended for safety and performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Sea Sierra\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePro-Grade Standards\u003c\/strong\u003e — We supply marine parts engineered to OEM-level tolerances and tested for real-world conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast Global Fulfillment\u003c\/strong\u003e — Free standard delivery to most regions in 5–15 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer-Direct Value\u003c\/strong\u003e — Fair pricing without compromising on materials or QC.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"SeaSierra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50717890445627,"sku":"18B1001","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/8673\/8747\/files\/18B1001_b394837e-e1b3-4990-a306-959bc03a8833.jpg?v=1762937495","url":"https:\/\/seasierra.com\/products\/low-profile-additive-lpa-fits-smc-bmc-composite-applications-microthene-f-powders","provider":"SeaSierra","version":"1.0","type":"link"}