To support the already widely used masterbatches and compounds which are fantastic modifiers combined with straight Polyolefin resins we also support the customer with further additives that may be required to make small or large changes within the polymer application that needs a different characteristic within the manufacturing process or as a finished product.
The additive range offers some solutions to be able to meet that demand of Polymer processing aids, slips, UVs, Flam retardants, heat stabilisers Oxy biodegradables etc.
Blowing agent masterbatches contain specialist active ingredients that are designed to decompose at a specific given temperature, releasing gases such as nitrogen (N2) or carbon dioxide (CO2). These gases will create a cellular structure within the polymer, making the finished part lighter in weight, whilst using less polymer to fill the mould volume.
Blowing agents are widely used to achieve reductions in both the weight of moulded parts and the cost of raw materials. Some examples include automotive parts, plastic pallets, and crates. Additionally, blowing agents may be utilised to produce foamed insulation materials and to reduce sink marks in moulding or extrusion applications.
Frequently employed in film applications, slip additives are used to reduce the surface coefficient of friction of polymers, enhancing either processing or end applications. There are high and low-level slip additives available, and their performance can be tailored to be either immediate or slow-acting through masterbatch engineering.
Slip agents can also provide several benefits in injection moulding applications, such as smooth surface finish, prevention of sticking in the mould, and enhanced processing.
“Blocking” refers to the undesired adhesion or sticking together of plastic surfaces, typically due to pressure and/or temperature during processing, storage, or transportation. Blocking can lead to difficulties in handling finished products, aesthetic defects, or even functional issues.
Introducing an antiblocking agent will induce a microscopic roughening of the polymer surface, thereby decreasing the contact area between neighbouring layers and preventing the adhesive issues.
Antioxidants mitigate the degradation of plastic products due to oxidation. These additives help to extend the lifespan and maintain the integrity of plastic materials, ensuring that they retain their mechanical properties, appearance, and functionality over time. Particularly those parts which are exposed to outdoor conditions.
There are generally two types of stabilisers; primary and secondary. Primary antioxidants are formulated to provide safeguarding for the final product, whereas secondary antioxidants are utilised to stabilise the polymer throughout the manufacturing process. This can be particularly helpful when processing recycled polymers.
UV stabilisers are additives utilised in plastics to shield them from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and other light sources. UV radiation can cause the degradation of plastics, resulting in alterations in appearance, mechanical properties, and performance. UV stabilisers function by absorbing, reflecting, or dispersing UV radiation, thus averting or reducing degradation and prolonging the lifespan of plastic products.
UV Absorbers: These compounds absorb UV radiation and convert it into harmless heat energy.
UV Reflectors: These additives reflect UV radiation away from the plastic surface, preventing it from penetrating and causing degradation. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common UV reflector used in plastics.
UV Stabilisers: These additives inhibit the degradation of polymers caused by UV radiation by neutralising free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive species which are chemically unstable and prone to initiating chain reactions in polymers when exposed to UV radiation.
Generally, plastics have good surface resistivity and are good insulators. This does however mean that they have a tendency to build up static electricity which can cause several issues such as, dust and debris attraction to the surface of the polymer, handling difficulties as polymers can cling to one another and electro-static discharge which can affect electrical items as well as causing painful static shocks to people and dust explosions.
There are two main groups of antistatics; migratory and non-migratory. Migratory antistatic additives form a thin layer on the surface of the polymer and reduce the surface resistance and dissipate static charges. Non-Migratory antistatic additives remain dispersed in the bulk of the material and don’t migrate to the surface. These additives work by increasing the overall conductivity of the plastic material, allowing static charges to dissipate more readily throughout the material.
Products
5 Aug 2024
Products
5 Aug 2024
Company
25 Jul 2024
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