ADDITIVES | RECYCLING
duced the MaxiLoop range of compatibilisers, beginning with ten different formulations designed for various recycling applications. The additives are designed to allow increased recycled content by improving miscibility, processability and properties. One such use is in post-industrial recycling (PIR)
Above: StabiPlus from Repi protects rPET from yellowing during
mechanical recycling
selected the active ingredient to be compatible with PET resins used in fibre and moulding applica- tions. Converters can use it in the production of thermoformed sheets, and the product is showing good potential for use in bottles, as well.” The additive is suitable for food-contact applications. StabiPlus REMAP 00485 from additive supplier
Repi is a liquid additive that is added during PET recycling to maintain the brightness (ie, L-value) of rPET, said Karsten Fritsch, Business Development Manager Thermoplastics at Repi. While anti-yellow- ing additives successfully mask the yellowness that comes from discoloration due to degradation by correcting the b-value, this new functional additive prevents the drop in L-value that is typically seen in rPET. Fritsch explains that the additive can be adjusted depending on the application. The suggested minimum addition rate is 0.134%. The additive does not affect intrinsic viscosity, and it has EU and FDA food contact certifications.
Compatibilisers Compatibilisers are particularly helpful in recycled plastics streams that may contain multiple polymers or small amounts of one polymer as a contaminant of the primary material. (A range of compatibilisers and coupling agents were described in Compound- ing World May 2024 issue.) Most recently, European masterbatch provider Gabriel-Chemie has intro-
of edge trims from film extrusion in the production of multilayer products. Multilayer films made of PE or PP (non-polar polymers) may contain PA6, PA66, or EVOH (polar polymers) in a barrier layer. When the PIR edge trim is put back into the film extruder, the differences in polarity and in flow properties between the polymers can result in defects such as streaks and gels in the film. MaxiLoop HP7AB- 4780COM compatibiliser masterbatch improves homogeneity during processing by increasing interfacial adhesion between the polymers, which leads to more stable processing conditions and higher product quality, especially in blown film production, according to Gabriel-Chemie. MaxiLoop EMA7AB4820MOD is another additive masterbatch designed for recycled polystyrene (rPS), a material which can have high dust formation, brittleness, and low impact resist- ance. Adding the compatibilising additive im- proves impact resistance and tensile strength. Evonik says that its range of Tego Cycle addi-
tives, introduced in May 2023, are designed to save energy during mechanical recycling and to improve the quality of recycled plastics. For washing, separation, deinking, and drying, the company’s antifoams and wetting agents help make processes more efficient. During compound- ing of recycled materials, additives that improve processing include dispersants and processing aids. Additives including compatibilisers and Tego Sorb malodour reducers improve product quality. Evonik points to its Circular Plastics Program as
an initiative that, combined with the Tego Cycle additives, can help speed the plastic industry’s transformation to a circular economy. For example,
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