Additives
for plastics

Plastic processing often needs a slip agent to assist in polymer flow and provide internal and external slip characteristics. Friction characteristics, when processing polymers, requires slip/lubricants in order to improve cycle times, improve dispersion, assist mold release and improve assembly of molded parts. The amount of slip depends on the process and end use requirements. Consumer packaging requirements often need slip for the finished product, but the plastic processor may also need it to improve processing and plastic parts assembly.

Our liquid light stabilizers are effective in a broad range of plastics and can help achieve long-term sustainability goals as in the recycling of plastics. We have products formulated with hindered amines (HALS) and UV absorbers. For certain applications, we offer blends of these two products for improved performance. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun will need the combination of HALS and antioxidants for long-term stability. Polymer photo-oxidation is a combined action of light and oxygen. The visible result of this action is deterioration of the appearance of the polymer as well as mechanical and chemical concerns. Our products can protect against these conditions. We also offer UV absorbers that protect the contents of plastics packaging from ultraviolet rays up to 390 nm.

Our liquid nucleating agents improve the physical properties of semi-crystalline polyolefins. This results in fast crystallization rates, which allows for improved cycle times and better production capacity along with quality. When our clarifying agent is added to polypropylene, the size of crystalline structures of the polymer reduces to improve the stiffness and clarity. Additionally, when added to the process, the rate of crystal initiation is increased dramatically so the crystals become smaller in size therefore clarifying the polypropylene. Our solutions will perform to meet the needs of a well-nucleated product by offering a combination of high crystalline temperature in the polymer with the most isotropic (uniform) shrinkage in your finished product.

Our processing aid agents prevent the buildup of static electric charges that occur on the surface of plastic parts while processing, and also functions as an excellent mold release agent so that cycle times can be shortened. Overall, with multi cavity molds, it provides good mold release of parts affected by mold design, polymer chemistry, PCR incorporation or other factors inhibiting faster cycles and prevents nesting of parts on conveyor belts for pack out. Additionally, reducing the static charge eliminates dust collecting on the surface of your parts.

Heat is a necessary function for molding plastics. However, under higher than normal processing temperatures, it may be necessary to add an additional stabilizer to maintain the integrity of the polymer. Degradation of polymers, due to excessive heat, can have an effect on the process, product stability and screw barrel contamination. Another factor of concern for the industry is the increased use of PCR. Antioxidant additions to the combinations of virgin and PCR resins can provide the heat stability needed to maintain a healthy polymer. Our solutions range from a single functional antioxidant, for processing with higher heat conditions, to multifunctional products that improve heat stability as well as long-term heat aging.

For many years, foaming agents have been used to reduce the densities of molded and extruded thermoplastics. Today, this need is receiving more attention because of the desire to make plastics more sustainable. This can be accomplished by reducing the amount of plastic needed to make a finished product. By reducing the density, you have reduced the amount of plastic used to make molded parts and extruded products, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. Liquid foaming agents can be metered precisely into the melt flow to achieve the desired level of density reduction and are produced without a heat history eliminating pre-decomposition concerns. The selection of endothermic, exothermic, or a combination of both is available in our product line. Processing with liquid endothermic foaming agents will also reduce the energy required for your process.

+Clean is an inorganic silver based antimicrobial, which inhibits the growth of gram-positive/gram-negative bacteria, mold and yeast. Untreated plastic products run the risk of microbial growth causing unsightly discoloration, staining, unpleasant odors as well as deterioration and corrosion of manufactured products. Our solutions have been optimized with respect to color retention in both indoor and outdoor environments.

There are many situations in plastics processing where a slight change in resin dispersion and flow characteristics would benefit the process as well as the product. We offer additives that, when metered at low letdowns, will solve processing problems such as poor dispersion, black specks, easier flow properties, better mold release, improved surface characteristics, reduction in sheer stress along with heating, and an overall reduction in energy consumption. The raw materials used in our solutions have a history of performing well in plastics. We have taken the next step in formulating these materials in combination to provide added benefits to the end user. It is important that we understand your need in order to select the correct solution for your application.

Currently, there is an increased demand for post consumer regrind in the plastics industry and we have developed a product that improves the quality of regrind (PCR). The change in the physicals can be altered by adding our additive during the plastic processing step. We have experienced improvements to the physicals in P/P, Homo, PP copolymer, HDPE.