Packaging masterbatches

Production Additive packages , masterbatches, blends (formulations)... 

To facilitate in-plant compounding, most suppliers have developed systems which efficiently and repro-ducibly deliver a controlled additive package to a compound, using either a specialised concentrate or a masterbatch formulation. Some of the polymer manufacturers have also made available advanced additive delivery systems, which they have often developed originally for their own use (e.g. Eastman, Montell). 

Typically, PLA shows properties similar to PS. Its high stiffness and transparency make it a suitable material for applications like plastic bottles, cups for cold drinks and stiff packages like clamshells. PLA is completely nontoxic and classified in the USA as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) [21]. Nevertheless, PLA stiU suffers from several drawbacks like its low impact strength, its barrier properties and, especially, its low heat resistance. A lot of research activity is currently going on to overcome these drawbacks. More and more companies offer solutions to the problems based on masterbatches, on PLA copolymers or on compounds. 

Plastic additives manufacturer, Clariant, is running field tests with packaging converters using polylactic acid polymers for its CESA-extend masterbatch. The aim of the new additive is to improve... 

Tertiary amines alone can be used as catalysts, but for some applications, such as spraying, more speed is desirable. Metal salts, particularly tin salts, accelerate the foaming reactions, and can be used alone or in combination with the tertiary amine-type catalysts. Tin catalysts of importance for rigid urethane foams are stannous octoate and dibutyltin dilaurate. Stannous octoate will hydrolyze rapidly in the presence of a basic catalyst with loss of activity. Masterbatches containing stannous octoate and moisture are stable for only a few hours at room temperature. Resin masterbatches containing dibutyltin dilaurate may stay stable for months. For this reason this catalyst is preferred for foaming systems packaged for use at other locations or plants where the resin masterbatch is not used immediately (20). 

Special considerations chemical composition of filler surface affects nucleation of filler traces of heavy metals decrease thermal stability and cause discoloration siuface free energy of fillers determines interaction large difference in thermal properties of fillers and polymer may cause stress hydrotalcite is used as acid neutralizer with stabilizing packages anatase titanium dioxide decreases UV stability presence of transition metals (Ni, Zn, Fe, Co) affects thermal and UV stability calcium carbonate and talc were found to immobilize HALS stabilizers in PP with organic masterbatches such as ethylene diamine phosphate V-0 classification can be obtained with 20-25 wt%, at the same time tensile strength and impact strength are substantially reduced... 

Masterbatches highly concentrated pigment and additive preparations for technical plastics, spin dying and packaging ... 

Photostabilization processes have not received much attention in the last year other than a multitude of review and specialist industrial articles. These include stabilization of polypropylene fibres, new stabilizer developments, sorting of stabilizers for polyethylene, trends in UV absorbers, " hindered piperidines (HALS) for polyacryUcs and urethanes, new stabilizers for polyolefins, enhanced service-life applications, stabilizer masterbatches for polyester, stabilizers for UV-cured acrylic overcoats for PVC and stabilization of clearcoats and various commercial packages. ... 

Throughout the years, efforts have been made to develop resin systems that are by nature low in plateout properties, and also to develop additive packages that would additionally aid in reducing plateout." It has become a relatively common practice with fluorescent color concentrate suppliers to add a small percentage (i.e., 3-8%) of silica to the masterbatch during compounding. The addition of silica materials has shown to substantially reduce the amount of plateout from fluorescent color concentrates. Due to the improvements that have occurred with different silica products, a study was undertaken to determine if any differences were apparent between fumed and precipitated silica. 

Other dense fillers are useful for sound-deadening purposes, such as barium sulfate. Likewise, tungsten and bismuth can be used in POs to increase density and create a metal-like heaviness in consumer products. This quality is said to be potentially useful for semi-durable products like cosmetics/personal-care packaging (lipstick tubes, etc.), where the density of metal suggests quality, but where it would be cost-prohibitive to produce the product in metal. Standard plastics processing can be used with these filler compounds, according to manufacturer Clariant Masterbatches [7-19]. 

Objective A gloss-enhancing additive solution for colored HDPE packaging that does not affect mechanical properties. Solution A masterbatch that Increases the gloss of colored HDPE parts by over 200%. 

And scent additives in packaging materials can be used to improve the sales of certain products. Scented masterbatches are provided by Polyvel, International Flavors Fragrances Inc, and other suppliers. Their encapsulated odors are particularly more compatible for POs rather than with higher-temperature polymers, in which the odors might volatilize and be lost during processing. The science of scented additives may be just emerging [2-27, 17-1, 17-21, 17-25). 

ColorMatrix Europe supply additive and colorant masterbatch for use in the manufacture of polymeric materials and articles intended for various applications such as food contact packaging, and toys. ColorMatrix Europe products may be manufactured at different manufacturing locations (USA, Europe, and Asia). The Global regulatory department based within Europe keeps an inventory of raw materials used across all global locations and manages supplier information, chemistry information and so on. ColorMatrix Europe s global inventory contains hundreds of raw materials however the majority of these are classified as non hazardous. 

A combination chain extender and antioxidant package known as Irgamod RA20, which is a masterbatch consisting of 75.5% polyester carried resin, 20.5% pyromellitic dianhydride, 2% pentaerythritol and 2% Irganox 1425 [47]. 

Compounders are always free to buy individual additives and combine them to their specific needs. In some cases, particularly when the additive is difficult to compound, it is best masterbatched by speciahsts and then sold to the processor who simply lets it down with natural. Many processors prefer not to become involved in the chemical details and buy combined masterbatches containing several additives aU together in the same masterbatch. This is particularly common in stabfiizer packages, surface-treated fillers and fibers, lubricant packages, colorants + odorants, polyblends, and antifog/antistat/lubricant additives. While this saves the processor a lot of detail formnlatmg effort, it makes it mnch more difficult for him to identify and solve problems when the componnd does not perform properly. 

The report does not cover polymerisation additives, compounding machinery or masterbatches ( concentrates ). Nor does it cover some of the more specialised additives used in active packaging, such as oxygen scavengers, or those that are specific to the thermosetting resin, rubber and coatings industries. 

Clariant has added more than 50 colours to its cadmium-free Universal range, making a total of 180 colours. Special effects have been extended to include wood, pearlescence, and edge-glow effects. Colloids has also added 15 stock film grade colour masterbatches to its existing 3 5 colours to meet the restriction on heavy metals in the EC Directive on Waste Packaging, 94/62/EC, Article 11. 

Metallic pigments, especially for automobile applications such as bumpers, door panels, grips, buttons, hub covers, and scooter panels and wings, are a focal point of current development by Clariant Masterbatches Division. The company also claims it has the first colour masterbatch series for HDPE packaging with an anodized aluminium appearance, giving high reflectivity, chrome, and lustre. 

EMS Chemie has developed Grilon MB additives, based on PA 6 or compatible copolyamides, for modification of nylon film. In masterbatch formulation, they improve processing speed by more rapid crystallization and presence of non-blocking agents. It is also possible to improve slip properties for the film and reduce coefficient of friction between film and steel, giving faster running on packaging machinery. 

Carbon black Escape into atmosphere, contamination of environment Use masterbatch systems if not possible, use effective packaging, in a dedicated area... 

Pigments Dust contamination of products and workplace, escape to outside possible dust explosion heavy metals (cadmium) Use formulated systems, liquids or masterbatch where powder is essential, ensure good packaging, if possible use a dedicated area ventilate cadmium being phased out... 

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