Analysis of Specific Additives

Antiblock additives are often incorporated into packaging films to prevent them sticking together. Their effectiveness relates directly to the roughness they impart on a film surface while minimising loss in optical properties. They are often used in association with slip additives such as erucamide. Common antiblock additives include crystalline silica, diatomaceous earth and talc (magnesium silicate). 

Antiblock additives can be seen on the surface of films using optical microscopy or SEM. Identification can normally be achieved with internal reflection IR spectroscopy (e.g., with a germanium crystal to minimise sampling depth) or using an X-ray attachment with the electron microscope. 

Microcrystalline waxes can also act as an antiblock and can provide some processing benefits. Polymeric antiblocks based on organic particles have also recently been introduced. 

A wide variety of methodologies have been employed for the analysis of antioxidants in polymers and some standard methods are available. For high-density polyethylene ASTM method D5524 (ASTM International) — Determination of phenolic antioxidants in high-density polyethylene, describes a method whereby the sample is ground to a small particle size and then extracted by refluxing with cyclohexane. The cyclohexane extract is then examined by reverse-phase HPLC with UV detection. 

For rubber, a thin layer chromatographic (TLC) method is available ISO 4645 1984 Rubber and rubber products — Guide to the identification of antidegradants — TLC methods. 

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The purpose of this monograph, the first to be dedicated exclusively to the analytics of additives in polymers, is to evaluate critically the extensive problemsolving experience in the polymer industry. Although this book is not intended to be a treatise on modem analytical tools in general or on polymer analysis en large, an outline of the principles and characteristics of relevant instrumental techniques (without hands-on details) was deemed necessary to clarify the current state-of-the-art of the analysis of additives in polymers and to accustom the reader to the unavoidable professional nomenclature. The book, which provides an in-depth overview of additive analysis by focusing on a wide array of applications in R D, production, quality control and technical service, reflects the recent explosive development of the field. Rather than being a compendium, cookery book or laboratory manual for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of specific additives in a variety of commercial polymers, with no limits to impractical academic exoticism (analysis for its own sake), the book focuses on the fundamental characteristics of the arsenal of techniques utilised industrially in direct relation... 

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