event review | Compounding World Forum
Delegates heard about developments in non-halogenated flame retardants from FRX Polymers
Polyscope’s Ardy Doelen discussed compatibilisers for stryenic blends
Right: Improved scratch
resistance is a
key automotive industry
demand, said BASF senior scientist Feng Zuo
Consultants, confirmed the trends of speed and customisation, adding that the drive to mass customisa- tion through 3D printing techniques is picking up. He predicts that 3D printing will disrupt the plastics industry withinin two to three years. Other trends and opportunities described by the panelists included globalisation and the growing need to be well informed about environmental and regulatory changes. For example, the use of sustainable resins and additives is a continuing trend and that includes a greater use of recycled materials. The panelists also noted the increasing demand for flame retardant (FR) com- pounds—particularly non-halogenated types. A panel including several members of PINFA NA (The Phosphorus, Inorganic and Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association-North America) went into more detail on non-halogenated FRs. Maggie Baumann, representing polymeric non-halogenated FR manufacturer FRX Polymers, explained that PINFA member companies’ vision is to achieve an ideal FR that is non-toxic, non- migrating, releases no harmful gases in a fire, allows recycling of finished materials, and is either degradable or remains neutral in the environment. She said the group anticipates that the current higher cost of non-halogenat- ed FRs will eventually come down as production is optimised and production volumes increase. In addition, panel members said the compounding
industry needs to optimise formulations and explore synergists, which can help reduce formula costs. Those wanting to switch from halogenated to nonhalogenated FRs were advised by David Temples, Technical Services Representative for Huber: “Do your homework.” He said that understanding requirements of the end-use, the FR test requirements and the properties (for example, decomposition temperature, mechanicals and effect on colour) of the FR are key. There is no “general purpose” non-halogenated FR, noted Robert Weiler, North American Sales Manager for Amfine Chemical, who added that each FR is different.
76 COMPOUNDING WORLD | January 2017
www.compoundingworld.com
Additive innovations As markets for plastics compounds evolve, the require- ments for additives change too. In automotive interior applications, for example, the demand for scratch resistance has led to an increase in the use of anti- scratch additives, which tend to bloom and cause a tacky surface, explained Feng Zuo, Senior Scientist at BASF. High molecular weight hindered amine light stabilisers (HALS) in a formula act to stabilise the surface, which can lead to the problem of the tackiness remaining for a longer period. In addition, the tendency to use more severe processing conditions and the extensive use of polymers with high flowability exacer- bates blooming and stickiness. Zuo said BASF intro- duced its Tinuvin 880 light stabiliser, which uses a new chemistry, specifically to solve these problems and meet the needs of PP or TPO automotive interior parts. Global Technology Lead for Polyolefin Additives at
Baerlocher, Robert Sherman said polyolefin stabilisa- tion has changed over the years; formulas today typically do not have any excess stabiliser but are optimised for a single production pass and the expected lifetime of the part. As a result, processors running at high temperatures or incorporating regrind may be using up all of the available antioxidant and degrading the polymer. He said the company’s Baeropol RST [Resin Stabilisation Technology] is designed to protect the antioxidant and improve stabilisation. Other innovative additives discussed at the confer-
ence were designed to meet various other needs. For example, incompatible polymers require compatibilisa- tion to obtain optimal properties. Ardy Doelen, European Sales and Business Development Manager for Polyscope Polymers, explained how the company’s Xeran compatibilisers are miscible with styrenic-based polymers such as ABS and react with other polymers in a blend, including PC or PA, to improve the homogeneity of the blend and enhance properties. OCSiAl’s Tuball single-wall carbon nanotubes
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