Additives for PET | materials feature Enhancing PET performance
PET resins are key to product success in many markets, primarily rigid and fl exible packaging, but also personal and industrial electronics, automotive dashboard displays, medical and healthcare devices, and recyclate, among others. The high volume, diverse applications and eco-friendly attributes of PET generate demands by end-users for ongoing performance enhancements, many of which come from additives. Performance enhancements address multiple needs. In packaging, for example, these include: oxygen and acetaldehyde scavenging; ultraviolet (UV) and visible- light resistance; hot-fi ll properties and heat resistance; low-temperature impact strength; and denesting. In other applications, additives impart fl ame-retard-
ant properties and antimicrobial benefi ts, compatibilize some commingled streams of recyclate, determine the look and feel of packaging, and improve resin fl ow, aesthetics and energy effi ciency in the production of fi lm, sheet, moulded and thermoformed parts. These benefi ts infl uence product cost, viability, design, and ultimately, market acceptance. Additive- endowed properties promote thin-walling in packages, which reduces material use, product weight, and shipping and distribution costs. Clear containers increase the shelf dynamics of products in the retail
www.compoundingworld.com
New PET additives are being
developed to increase the properties and value of virgin and recycled resins, reports Pat Toensmeier
environment, boosting consumer attention and sales. And ongoing efforts to improve the properties of recyclate elevate PET’s “green” benefi ts, reinforcing its low carbon footprint and sustainability. Additives are essential to PET’s continuing growth.
And while the properties they provide are diverse, many producers focus on key areas that have a major impact on product design, aesthetics and performance. Over the following pages we look at developments in these additives and the benefi ts they provide.
Maintaining surface quality Examples of application diversity can be seen in the latest materials from Ampacet. The company is touting three additives in particular: a new process aid, along with a light diffuser and a UV absorber that have been
March 2014 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 55
PET containers rely on diverse additives for
properties and market success
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