PROCESSING AIDS | ADDITIVES
Smoothing the process
Carefully selected process aids can speed up production, aid dispersion and lift overall compound
performance.Peter Mapleston investigates some of the latest innovations
Whether it’s processing of mixed polyolefin post-consumer waste or compounding of high- performance carbon fibre-reinforced polycarbon- ate, all sorts of plastics formulations can benefit from the judicious addition of processing aids and lubricants to improve processing and performance. With additive developers working continually to adapt their products and to improve effectiveness, this article takes a look at some of the latest developments in the field. In fibre-reinforced composites, for example, physical performance is influenced by the mechani- cal properties of the fibre, the dispersion of the fibre within the matrix, and the adhesion between the two phases. Völpker Spezialprodukte has been studying how its Cevo-process J-3400 product, a synergistic mixture of montan wax esters and other waxes, can affect the mechanical proper- ties of carbon fibre-reinforced polycarbonate compounds. Tests were carried out using Makrolon 2405, a general purpose, low viscosity, easy release grade from Covestro with an MVR (300°C/1.2 kg) of 19 cm³/10 min. Multi-purpose injection moulded 1A (DIN EN ISO 3167) test specimens were used and the results shown in Figures 1 and 2. “The study demonstrated that using Cevo-pro-
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cess J-3400 can significantly improve both the tensile modulus and tensile strength,” says the company. “Previous studies have already shown that there is a significant correlation between the dispersing effect of this additive on filler materials and the improvement in mechanical properties. The improved carbon fibre distribution allows a reduction in the carbon fibre content and thus leads to lower raw material costs.” Cevo-process J-3400 is available as powder and as compacted, dust-free pellets. IncroMax 100 fast-migrating multifunctional additives from Croda are suitable for use with various types of polyesters, including PET, PETG, PBT and PLA. The company says they offer signifi- cant performance and sustainability benefits and, when used in PET, can improve both processing and final properties of the material by acting as an internal or external lubricant, depending on the dosing level.
At low addition levels – 0.1-0.2% in the polymer host – IncroMax 100 acts as a processing aid by improving the flow of the polymer. “In film extru- sion, the internal lubrication effect can improve the output rate by up to 80%,” says Thomas Blundell, Marketing Associate Smart Materials, at Croda
April 2021 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 61
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