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Understanding Polymer Additives

A natural polymeric material would be a failure in a commercial setting. These materials often show poor properties. Additives must be used to rectify any aesthetic problems. Additives are essential for the processing of plastic materials and in their end application. Adding additives to polymer materials makes them usable in a wide array of applications throughout the plastic market. Industries that commonly use additives, or specialty compounding, are:

Specialty Compounding

  • Automotive
  • Construction
  • Telecommunications
  • Packaging
  • Design

Once additivation of particles/molecule to polymers is complete, both surface and bulk products can have properties improved.

If not for additives, polypropylene would not be widely employed like it is today. Polypropylene has fragile thermal oxidative stability, which makes it degrade in only a few weeks.

Additives, as defined by the European Community, are substances that are incorporated into polymers (plastics) to enhance their technical and aesthetic effects. Additives are supposed to be an essential component of finished products.

Additives add effects to plastic parts. For instance, plastic can be designed to offer protection from different external agents (corrosive materials, UV light). Additives can also make plastic more readily processable. Plastic can even be made to look like wood, marble, or other materials.

Recently, additive masterbatches have been frequently used. This is because the concentrates contain high amounts of additives that is pre-dispersed into polymers. This process is commonly referred to as color masterbatch.

Specialty Compounding

Discussing your needs with our engineers will allow us to create specialty compounding that is specific to application and aesthetic needs. Let us enhance your plastic parts.

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We are committed to providing compounds, colorants, resins of exceptional quality to the plastic industry, and specialty compounding.