ADDITIVES | POLYAMIDES
IMAGE: BRÜGGEMANN
Above:
Brüggemann says its highly efficient flow enhancers are a key enabling technology for designing more robust parts with engi- neering
polymers such as polyamides
reduce noise. PTFE has been widely used in these types of applications, and the concerns about PFAS regulation have led to designers investigating alter- native materials, noted Kaminsky. Although fluoropolymers may not be restricted by PFAS regulations in these applications, alternatives are being investigated as risk mitigation as well as an opportunity to explore new materials, he said. A relatively new product from Mitsui Chemicals is a new grade of its Lubmer ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), LY1040, which has been compatibilised for blending with polyamides. For glass-filled polyamides, a non-functionalised grade (eg, Lubmer L4000) is recommended. Kaminsky said that while conventional UHMWPE is too viscous for melt processing, the Lubmer grades in pellet form are engineered to be melt process- able and can be compounded into polyamides to improve wear and friction properties. In a ring on disc lab test, LY1040 achieved better performance than equivalent loadings of PTFE for COF modifica- tion and wear performance. The new additive showed good performance in several polymers, including polyamides, PBT and PC.
Flow enhancers At K2025, Brüggemann highlighted a family of efficient flow enhancers that ease processing of materials with very high glass fibre content of up to 60 wt%. Bruggolen P1810 improves the flowability of semi-aromatic polyamides, and Bruggolen P1507 improves flowability for aliphatic polyamides. Bruggolen P2201 is used when a combination of flowability and flame retardancy is required, because it does not impair flame resistance. Glass fibre-reinforced polyamides with the flow enhancer can be used for components with long flow paths that have both very good electrical properties and a V0 classification according to UL94, the company reported. Flow enhancers improve mould filling
32 COMPOUNDING WORLD | April 2026
capacity and make processing windows wider. They can reduce cycle times and injection pressures. Brüggemann also highlighted metal- and halogen-free stabilisers for use in E&E and e-mobil- ity applications to allow polyamides to be used at high operating temperatures. “Bruggolen TP- H2217 increases the continuous use temperature of reinforced PA up to 170°C for 8,000 hours, setting a new benchmark without affecting flame retardancy,” said the company. “Bruggolen TP- H2062 and TP-H2217 overcome the limitations of conventional stabiliser systems. Neither type impairs electrical properties, such as the compara- tive tracking index (CTI), nor do they have a corrosive effect on metallic components, such as overmoulded sensors or in busbar applications.” Compoline CO/PA impact modifiers, produced by Brueggemann’s Italian subsidiary Auserpolimeri, are targeted to enhance the durability and flexibil- ity of engineering plastics, including polyamides, for applications such as e-mobility. The impact modifiers include maleic anhydride (MAH)-grafted polyolefin copolymer-based compounds and elastomeric polyolefins. Since impact-modified polyamides tend to have higher viscosities, it designed grades that provide a balance of tough- ness and flowability for thin-walled parts that require strength and heat resistance.
Flame retardancy Polyamide compounds may incorporate flame retardant (FR) additives to achieve the performance requirements needed for some applications. As discussed in Compounding World’s December 2025 issue, the unusually high prices of antimony trioxide (ATO), used as a synergist in many brominated FR formulations, has led to development of several low-ATO and ATO-free formulations for polyamides and other polymers. While ATO prices have since come down from that high point, developers are keeping an eye on the market, as well as on con- cerns that fluoropolymer-based anti-drip agents in FR formulations may eventually be affected by PFAS restrictions. Other recent developments have looked at formulations that minimise FR loadings in order to retain mechanical properties. The latest from CAI Performance Additives is
ST-MCA-H, a high-activity melamine cyanurate (MCA)-based FR with an optimised particle morphology that enhances uniform distribution within the polyamide matrix during compounding, resulting in lower loadings needed to achieve UL-94 V-0 performance compared to standard MCA. The interaction between the MCA and the decomposing polymer phase during combustion is
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