SPECIAL EFFECT | PIGMENTS


called ‘Light’ and whose objective is to simulate fabric, a rough surface embossing accentuates and enhances the overall effect better.” Sirmax has also created formulations for the electrical and appliance sector, derived from pre-consumer plastic, that emphasise the recycled nature of the material using a dotted effect. The company describes this as ‘differently aesthetic’. “These formulations meet a particular market demand from clients who seek recycled material and wish to highlight it to declare their sustainabil- ity efforts,” says Gazzola. “Through careful and sophisticated compounding, our formulators were able to dose the recycled raw materials and pigments necessary to replicate this effect in [an] accentuated way. These effects can be replicated on different types of polymers, from polyolefins (PP) to technopolymers (ABS - PC/ABS - PC).”


Muted metallics Masterbatch producer Ampacet’s new Muted Metal collection for multi-layer HDPE structures emulates the appearance of weathered metal while maintaining recyclability. The bi-layer metal effect projects lustre and reflectivity under a matt finish and is available in six colours: Distressed Gold, Vintage Copper, Blackened Steel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Rewilded Brass and Brushed Titanium. The products are pitched at hair care, personal care, beauty and cosmetics packaging, where the company says they offer a premium elegant finish. “With the environmental impact of consumer-


ism, we begin to gravitate toward products and materials designed for longevity,” says Mercedes Landazuri, Ampacet’s Market Insight Manager. “We


crave the reality of patina – the rich weathering that shows an object has withstood the test of time, transforming imperfections into beauty.” Another new Ampacet effect product is the


Waterscapes Collection, which mixes matt and glossy surfaces on a single HDPE package to mimic the “glassy to foam transition…of waves, ripples, waterfalls and melting ice,” the company says. The collection includes three green and two blue shades and is said to allow PET gloss levels to be achieved in HDPE. Ampacet’s Matip 347 masterbatch provides a


matt finish for biaxially oriented PP (BOPP) multi- layer packaging films and labels. The additive is used in the outer layer to reduce gloss and increase haze. New from CAI Performance Additives is


ST-B50T, a gloss-reducing additive that can be used to help create a matt finish in parts made from ABS, PC/ABS, PC/ASA, and PC/PBT for applications such as automotive parts, appliances, electronic devices, medical devices and consumer goods. ST-B50T, which is produced by cross-linking


Figure 1: Gloss level of ABS moulded at 80°C showing the effect of a typical BMAT gloss modifier compared to CAI’s new ST-B50T alternative Source: CAI Performance Additives


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epoxy and anhydride, changes the surface appear- ance of a moulded part. “The microencapsulation effect caused by chemical crosslinking will form a micro-roughness (concave-convex) effect on the surface of the material,” explains Torey McCleskey, COO at CAI Additives. “When the incident light reaches the micro-rough surface, the reflection direction of the light changes, and diffuse reflec- tion occurs, resulting in a low-gloss appearance and achieving the purpose of matting.” In a moulded ABS part, for example, the additive can be used as an alternative to or in combination with an existing commercial gloss reducing agent. “The technical advantages of our B50T are that it has mild effect on impact, has a delicate and soft lustre, and has less silver strands and uneven lustre,” says McCleskey (Figure 1).


Above: Ampacet’s Muted Metal range emulates the appearance of weathered metal and is aimed at premium applications such as cosmetics


� March 2024 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 37


IMAGE: AMPACET


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