ADDITIVES | IMPACT MODIFIERS


Figure 2: Charpy impact strength performance of an ABS compound containing 5% of Lotryl 28BA700T, Lotryl 29MA03T and Lotader AX8900 impact modifier Source: SK Functional Polymer


plastic without compromising its clarity. For this case, we are developing novel Engage polyolefin elasto- mer designs to allow for that specific combination.” Other recent Dow developments include Engage REN, a product family of bio-based polyolefin elastomers that can be used to lower the carbon footprint of polyolefin compounds across many applications, including PP-based TPO compounds for automotive interior and exterior applications. Fusabond N 495 is the company’s latest impact modifier for improved toughness/flow balance in PA compounds. Fusabond N functional polymer grades are maleic anhydride (MAH)-graft- ed polymers selected from its range of Engage polyolefin elastomers and Nordel EPDM lines. They provide high-flow impact modification for tough and super-tough PA6 and PA66 compounds, including good performance at low temperatures. Elvaloy PTW is suitable for use in polyester


resins, where it improves impact strength, tough- ness and flexibility, while reducing tensile strength and stiffness. Main applications include electrical and electronic connectors. The Elvaloy AC product family of ethylene acrylate copolymers and similar terpolymers with glycidyl methacrylate functionality like Elvaloy PTW address changing industry needs for filled and unfilled polyester compounds by allowing formulators to achieve an optimum balance between performance, processability and cost, the company claims.


Figure 3: Melt flow index and flexural modulus performance of ABS resin containing 5% of Lotryl 28BA700T, Lotryl 29MA03T and Lotader AX8900 impact modifier Source: SK Functional Polymer


of high impact PP waste, the company tested a flexible film waste composed of 50% of PP and PE in combination with the battery case PP. It found the Engage polyolefin elastomer worked as an efficient impact modifier and helped to meet the impact resistance specification, measured as -20°C notched Charpy impact resistance (Figure 1). In future developments, PP compounds for connected and autonomous vehicles will require more design flexibility. “When compounded with the matrix polymer, impact modifiers are typically present in the form of small rubber domains which can result in an otherwise transparent plastic to become foggy or opaque, which is unwanted for some applications,” says Henschke. “The desire is to improve the impact strength of the plastic while maintaining its translucency. In other words, there is a need for impact modifiers that can toughen the


56 COMPOUNDING WORLD | April 2023


Weight challenges Impact modification is also seen as a key com- pounding industry requirement at SK Functional Polymer. “With lightweight solutions being particularly important in the automotive industry, maintaining the same impact strength is now the current challenge,” says Nicolas Esselin, Market Development Manager, Compounds. “In addition, sustainable plastics, such as recycled and bio- based materials, represent the next level of compounding development. Achieving the same level of mechanical properties with recycled materials and bio-based products as traditional virgin plastics is a key goal for the future.” Esselin says that one of the biggest current


industry trends is the use of mechanically recycled resins to reduce waste and lower the carbon footprint of plastics. “SK Functional Polymer anticipates growing demand in this area and has solutions to improve the mechanical properties of plastics coming from mechanical recycling. We also support companies developing bioplastics by helping them achieve the mechanical properties needed in their applications,” he says.


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