TECHNOLOGY | ODOURS AND EMISSIONS


Right: Organoleptic assessment by trained sensory experts is part of the Gabriel- Chemie PURE programme


Expert assessment The masterbatch is also organoleptically assessed. “Using our specially trained in-house panel of sensory experts, three-way blind testing is carried out on water samples that have been exposed to our masterbatch,” Hannah says. “This enables potential taste and odour issues to be identified in our final product.” After successfully passing the NIAS-Evaluation,


various raw materials are used to manufacture masterbatch in the test laboratory, from which injection moulded parts are produced. A specially trained sensory panel examines and assesses the injection moulded parts in a complex organoleptic evaluation process lasting several hours. The samples are stored in selected reference liquids, such as still water from a standardised brand, and blind testing is carried out to check for flavour deviations. As a result, processors receive a detailed test report and profile in which the organoleptic suitability of the products is documented. The company says that the initial professional training and certification of the testers, regular development workshops, and the minimum size of the panel, means the testing is recognised as being a relevant and significant industry test method. “In addition to these two tests, we also provide an


Below: Tosaf claims its


emission-opti- mised master- batches for POM signifi- cantly reduce formaldehyde emissions


SML [specific migration limit] estimate,” says Hannah. “We can provide our customers with additional details about the substances in our masterbatch that have the potential to migrate. Customers can then accurately estimate the potential migration in their end products and ensure that this is below the required regulatory threshold.” Gabriel-Chemie says that it aims to keep the number of substances with SML in products as low as possible. However, their presence cannot always be avoided. In order to develop a rough overview


of the quantities to be expected, an estimate of concentrations of SML-regulated additives is established in products through cooperation with suppliers. The company says the concentration information supplied goes above and beyond the legal obligation and facilitates easier analysis for customers, which can save both time and money. The analysis includes applicable specific limit values and the maximum permissible quantity that may migrate into food according to the standard method of risk assessment for each substance.


Targeting automotive Another masterbatch producer responding to demands for lower emissions is Tosaf, although the latest developments from its Color Service division are masterbatches aimed primarily at POM applications in the automotive and appliance industries. According to the company, colour masterbatches based on its latest low emission carrier and pigment selection meet the strictest automotive specifications and are suitable for use with all POM grades. According to the company, tests carried out at an independent institute show that switching from a conventional masterbatch to one formulated using its optimised component materials resulted in a formaldehyde release reduction from 8.8ppm to less than 6ppm.


“Our new low-emission grades are gaining a


growing number of authorisations and are also reg- istering the first series applications for car interi- ors,” says Sales Manager Andreas Kruschinski. “Schauenburg Industrietechnik is one of our pilot customers in this area. In addition, we are experi- encing growing demand in all typical POM applications in a wide variety of industries.” Tosaf’s low-emission POM masterbatches


54 COMPOUNDING WORLD | March 2021 www.compoundingworld.com


IMAGE: TOSAF COLOR SERVICE


IMAGE: GABRIEL-CHEMIE


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