MATERIALS | COLOUR AND MASTERBATCH Metallic Pearlescent Sparkle
Above: Metallic, pearlescent, and sparkle are just a few of the special effects that can be achieved with thermoplastics
Coffee machine manufactured with Cabot’s Plasblak
UN2019 black masterbatch that is suitable for a wide range of applications including automotive and appliances in a variety of polymer resins
available to mimic materials, such as stone and metal, as well as organic materials like plants or animals, such as replicating the shimmer of fish or reptiles and the sheen of insects and seashells. Additionally, we are using common materials in uncommon ways. Many polymer additives, fillers and modifiers impart appearance attributes associated with industrial and technological applications, providing both structural and aesthetic advantages. For example, carbon fibre, aramid fibre, and graphite are a few of the materials we use to provide valuable mechanical performance and unique appearance properties. Going forward, we are addressing the increased interest in security applications, and visual cues to various stimuli, such as heat, pressure, and various wavelengths of light.” Cabot Corporation views increased flexibility and speed as crucial market needs for colouring technologies in injection moulding at present due to higher customisation in end markets, such as packaging and automotive. “The current main technical requirements continue to be high colour strength, safety in use, sustainability and under- standing additive interactions,” adds Sebastian Heitkamp, Global Marketing Manager, Engineering Solutions. “In particular, the need for even higher black jetness is driven by colour trends and the increased use of plastics in higher end products.
Sustainability, consumer safety and the use of recycled polymers are also important drivers, relating to the increasing regulatory requirements for food and skin contact. The regulatory challenges relate to increased requirements for safer and more sustainable materials. Colour and masterbatch producers are increasingly looking for solutions that provide higher cleanliness and increased use of more recycled content. Improved mechanical properties also continue to be required as plastics continue to replace traditional materials, such as metals, in many applications. For example, increased replacement of metal in automotive applications for lightweighting and improved flexibility in design. In particular, these challenges are now being ad- dressed through even higher dispersion solutions.” Cabot has recently launched a new black masterbatch formulation with good colour strength that can be used in food contact applications for consumer products, household appliances and food packaging boxes. Plasblak UN2019 black masterbatch is formulated for a range of consumer goods and tailored for use in engineering thermo- plastics. The company says that this universal product has shown good results and complies with food contact regulations in all regions including Europe, United States (FDA) and Asia-Pacific. In addition, Cabot is launching a range of new masterbatch solutions that exhibit high jet black colour, while preserving mechanical strength of the underlying resin for automotive applications. The company is also introducing a new Plasblak master- batch for PET with high tinting strength, particularly tailored for the recycled polymer industry. Cabot adds that future initiatives include a focus
on addressing the needs for increased use of recycled materials, as well as developments that deliver less interaction or improved properties in regard to other additives, such as flame retardants and light stabilisers. The company says that its expan- sion in Canada through the acquisition of Tech Blend has increased its expertise in using recycled poly- mers in formulations for growing a resource-efficient
30 INJECTION WORLD | July/August 2018
www.injectionworld.com
PHOTO: RTP COMPANY
PHOTO: RTP COMPANY
PHOTO: RTP COMPANY
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