PROCESSING | PROCESS AIDS AND LUBRICANTS
the processing and handling issues caused by high friction and static control when compounding and converting bio-based or compostable polymers,” said Noyes. For example, a 1% addition of Atmer 103 additive works as a processing aid by improving the polymer flow during the injection moulding of polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA blends. This im- proved flow can allow a reduction in injection pressure or in injection temperatures and speeds, which allows a reduction in cycle time. It is also effective at improving processability during film extrusion, the company reported. Cargill’s Optislip range of bio-based slip and anti-blocking additives are also suited for use in a range of biopolymers, Noyes said. These additives form a lubricating layer at the surface that reduces the coefficient of friction (CoF) or adhesion between contacting polymer surfaces, or between the polymer and other materials. This lubrication allows easier processing and handling of the film
during manufacturing as well as benefits to the end-use, Noyes said. “We at Cargill continue to develop new surface modifiers and processing aids for polyolefins, biopolymers, and engineering plastics and welcome collaboration in this area,” said Noyes.
Reduced friction Shamrock Technologies specialises in micronisa- tion and offers micronised PTFE powders to reduce friction and wear between surfaces. The company’s EU Regulatory Compliant PTFE micropowder is compliant with REACH Annex 1. The company also introduced a 35-micron ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a halogen-free, PFAS-free wear additive. Insight Polymers & Compounding said it is developing a portfolio of PFAS-free wear and friction technologies to replace PTFE and other legacy wear and friction modified materials, with additional announcements expected near the end of 2025. The company does not expect a “one size fits all” alternative to existing PTFE-containing compounds and fluoropolymers. “These materials have a long history of performance, and PFAS-free alternatives are expected to incorporate a diverse slate of solutions in order to replace PFAS-contain- ing products,” the company said. Applications may include seals, wear pads, bearings, gears and slides in a variety of market areas, such as oil and gas, appliance, automotive, electronics manufacturing, and medical and industrial vertical markets. Americhem launched the EcoLube line of
Atmer additive improves flow which can allow a reduction in injection pressure or in injection temperatures and speeds Source: Cargill
PFAS-free internally lubricated compounds designed to help manufacturers reduce the wear and friction of moving plastic parts, reduce noise during use, and decrease coefficient of friction for plastic-on-plastic and plastic-on-metal applications, the company said. The product line uses a range of lubricant additives to meet the needs of specific applications in a wide range of polyolefin and engineering polymer base resins. Some of these lubricants are low-friction, non-migratory additives. Others are multifunctional, migrating, boundary lubricants to reduce CoF and wear rate by providing immediate lubrication at start-up and high speeds, the company said. The company can formulate compounds using data to predict CoF and wear- resistance rate for the materials of mating parts in a specific application. The latest from Americhem is the EcoLube MD
Reduction in CoF of Cargill’s additives in a cast film made from a blend of PLA and PHA Source: Cargill
18 COMPOUNDING WORLD | April 2025
line of PFAS-free internally lubricated compounds for medical devices and other healthcare applica- tions. These applications have specific require-
www.compoundingworld.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
