MASTERBATCH | COLOUR
Right: Working on colour formulations at Colloids
reason why polymer-specific masterbatches are overwhelmingly preferred.” Universal masterbatches using a carrier system
that is generally compatible with a broad range of polymers are widely available across the globe, albeit in a limited range of colours, says Bestall. “However, this compatibility becomes questionable at high concentrations and where colour is critical. In the case of multi-component products made using two or more polymers, differences in colours are common. When assessing the colour of the various plastics used to make the product, the results are clearly lacking. It is nearly impossible to achieve the same colour in different coloured base polymers using a universal masterbatch.” Bestall says that at high concentrations, which is the way to mask an underlying base colour, deterioration in physical properties of the mould- ing is also possible. “The finished product applica- tion and manufacturing method should drive the choice of colourant,” he says. “Whatever the application, you must consider its performance in the field and decide on the most appropriate carrier. The closer the carrier is to the moulding polymer, then the higher the probability of success. “A polymer-specific masterbatch will allow good
processing and colour accuracy, without negatively affecting performance. For example, if your product is required to withstand the damaging effects of the sun’s rays, an additive can be easily added to the polymer-specific masterbatch’s unique formulation.” Universal masterbatches are readily available and can be accessed in smaller quantities, Bestall notes, “but if a polymer-specific masterbatch producer operates an agile production facility, the same is also true. Universals offer a limited colour range whereas the entire spectrum of 20 million colours can be readily accessed through producers
Ampacet worked with US company Zing Mini Discs to create unique products used in mini disc golf, in which players throw discs into baskets on a 9-hole “golf” course. The injection moulded discs are coloured with Ampacet’s Carnival master- batch from its FusionFx products. FusionFx infuses colour at random into a moulded part, creating the vibrant splashes of colour in the Carnival products.
66 COMPOUNDING WORLD | November 2017
of polymer-specific masterbatches.” Another UK-based masterbatcher, Colloids (part
of Tosaf) takes a different approach. Technical manager Graham Cotton says the company’s Maxim Universal Stock range, which has been available for many years, “is based on a specific formula designed to work effectively in a range of polymers, provided the recommended addition rate is not exceeded. People use universals to avoid having to purchase the same colour in lots of different bases to give them better stock manage- ment and to lower costs; they are still very popular with lots of moulding companies.” Cotton says the universal carrier system has been improved to increase compatibility with polyamides as well as 25 other types of polymer. The Maxim Universal Stock range includes some 200 colours. “So if a customer just wants, say, a green off the shelf, they can choose from 21 shades,” says product marketing manager Judy Wong. “It is ideal for small quantities from 1kg upwards with next day delivery.” Colloids also offers a bespoke colour and carrier
service. Over the last 12-18 months it has also made “significant” advances in the colouration of polyesters to improve colour distribution and the ability to use a wider gamut of colours, including fluorescents and special effects. In addition, it has formulated masterbatches to include additives that increase the UV resistance of some polyesters. Also new is a range of multifunctional master-
batches delivering both colour and additives, “allowing for shorter cycle times to be achieved,
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