Additives masterbatches

One method is adding color via concentrates or a masterbatch at the fabrication step (molding or extrusion). The process involves a two-component approach a natural polymer and a concentrated (solid or liquid) additive masterbatch metered and blended at the press. In this option, the fabricator must take responsibility for preblending the product, properly mixing and dispersing the two phases, and performing checks and adjustments to assure final color quality. 

Developments in additive formulations are also helping to improve processing efficiencies for biodegradable polymers. PolyOne for example, introduced a new range of colour and additive masterbatches for biodegradable resins for the European market in 2005. 

Polymers that exhibit controlled degradation through the incorporation of prodegradant additive masterbatches or concentrates. Such polymers oxidise and embrittle in the environment and erode under the influence of weathering. 

Masterbatch A plastics compound which includes a high concentration of an additive or additives. Masterbatches are designed for use in appropriate quantities with the basic resin or mix so that the correct end concentration is achieved. For example, colour masterbatches for a variety of plastics are extensively used as they provide a clean and convenient method of obtaining accurate colour shades. 

Constituents identified in terms of residues (from polymerisation process), processing aids, additives, masterbatch constituents. 

A twin screw extruder allows excellent control over the dispersion domain size and the distribution of the domains in the overall polymer. Most commercial compounders use a twin-screw machine on larger orders of additive masterbatch because the throughput is greater. 

Typically, transition metals, such as manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel (but not heavy metals), are used to catalyze peroxide decomposition (Andrady et al, 1996). Their additive masterbatches are used at very low levels, and the metals are therefore present at very low concentrations of about 0.01 and 0.5% weight in the plastic product (Amaud et al., 1994). Some of the plastics with these additives have been approved for use in food contact plastics in the United States and in Canada. 

Reverte oxo-biodegradable additive masterbatch is intended for use with PE, PP, and PET. Other such additives are available from Addiflex and Symphony (Ammala et al., 2011). 

Clariant businesses are organised into five divisions pigments and additives masterbatches textile, leather and paper chemicals functional chemicals, and finally life science and electronic chemicals. Several polymer additive products have been mentioned already in Chapter 5. They include waxes, UV and light stabilisers, antioxidants, antistatic agents, flame retardants and phosphorus flame retardants. Some additives are targeted at other industries besides plastics. The company claims to be the world leader in pigments. 

Gabriel-Chemie unveils new additive masterbatches for plastics processing. Addit. Polym., 2008, 10, 1, 2008. 

The new additive masterbatches are products that are free of nickel quenchers, improving the stability of polyethylene films and developed specifically for horticultural films likely fo be contaminated by pesticides. They will provide protection for up to four years, even in high-radiation areas such as the Mediterranean. 

Additive masterbatches with fragrance have been developed by Clariant Masterbatches. Five flavours are available, initially for use with polyethylene, with let-down ratios of 2-10%. Formulations for other plastics are under development. 

Additive masterbatches, pigment/dye masterbatches, agricultural film masterbatches, degradable additive masterbatches... 

Self-extinguishing masterbatches, color/additive masterbatches, anti-sticking agents... 

Uses External lubricant for PVC additive to hydrocarbon waxes sole melt-pro-cessable binder, carrier, surf, wetting agent for color or additive masterbatches Regulatory BGA approval Properties Gran., fine grain, powd. 

---