MASTERBATCH | MATERIALS
In the mix: developments in masterbatch technology
The latest masterbatch formulations help processors achieve everything from stabilising greenhouse films to ensuring that black plastic does not overheat in the sun. Lou Reade reports
The range of applications in which masterbatches add value is immense – from adding subtle pigmentation through to important functional effects. Many were covered in the recent Master- batch Asia conference, organised by Applied Market Information. Saifudin Abubakar, senior technical advisor at
ExxonMobil Chemical in China, presented a new range of C3 polymers from the company’s Vis- tamaxx range. “These are low viscosity grades that can be used as flow modifiers,” he told delegates. “This enhanc- es processability, changes MFR and viscosity predictably, and retains physical and property balances.”
He used the example of the company’s Vis- tamaxx 8880 grade, which – when added to polypropylene (PP) – lowers both motor torque and die pressure (at equivalent temperature profile and output rate). By increasing screw speed and lowering melt temperature, this allows processors
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to boost output, cut die build-up and scorching, and reduce energy consumption. Abubakar added that the grade helps to lower PP viscosity across all shear rates. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing showed that adding the Vistamaxx had no signifi- cant effect on cooling time: crystallisation half time was similar for all Vistamaxx grades up to 10% addition, while crystallisation temperature was unaffected for one grade (VM8880) and slightly lower for another (VM6502). VM8880 also improved both melt flow rate and
colour retention under multi-pass extrusion, he said. Black screen
Basic physics tells us that black objects absorb more heat that lighter ones. However, Ferro Performance Pigments has developed a range of carbon blacks that incorporate chrome iron hematites – which scatter near infrared (NIR) radiation in order to keep temperatures lower.
July/August 2018 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 43
Main image: Ferro’s range of NIR absorbent pigments help to keep dark products cooler – and so
lengthen their service life
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