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Compounders, molders, and extruders will find new answers to virtually all their additive needs at NPE 2003. Every category from colorants and fragrance additives to PVC stabilizers, antioxidants, and flame retardants will have something new to show.

Among the more intriguing new additives are the first two Interloy products from Crompton Corp. They are based on in-reactor PP alloy technology acquired from Basell (previously used to make Hivalloy resins). One is a PP/PS graft copolymer that can compatibilize SEBS with PP in order to produce very high-impact blends. The other is a PP/PMMA graft copolymer that gives PP added gloss, weatherability, and scratch/mar resistance.

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Another unusual entry is a family of polyolefin-based nanoclay additive concentrates from PolyOne. Among them are grades that incorporate other functional additives as flame retardants and uv stabilizers.

Meanwhile, Tomen America is introducing Pelestat permanent anti-static additives based on nylon or polyolefin with special polyether segments. They are said to form a conductive polymer network in the host thermoplastic.

Color it

New colorants will be plentiful at the show, especially “special-effects” types. For example, Teknor Color is showcasing its new Magic Color concentrates whose “color-variable” pigments confer iridescent, multi-colored effects on cosmetic packaging, appliances, and sporting goods. Teknor is also unveiling a line of color concentrates for “soft-touch” TPEs. 

New Clear View concentrates from Polymer Color Services not only color but clarify homopolymer PP. The company is also introducing “Smell, Taste, and Sight” concentrates that combine color and taste/odor modifiers for thermoplastic novelty items, packaging, and dental guards.

Shepherd Color Co. is launching a new sparkle and luster special-effects technology based on silver-coated glass flakes. The perfectly flat glass flakes are said to maximize reflection, making them effective at lower loadings than other special-effects pigments.

Engelhard Corp. is launching a new mica-based pigment that reportedly gives a luxurious, metallic gold effect. Its Lumina Brass reportedly has higher chromaticity, brightness, color purity, and hiding power than traditional non-metallic “brass” colors. The company is also introducing laser-marking pigments.

Among the many other colorant exhibits at the show, something unusual is a rich harvest of new carbon blacks from Cabot Corp. and Degussa Engineered Carbons.

Release it

A number of new entries help processors get parts out of molds easier or resin out of dies faster. Axel Plastics Research Laboratories has extended its line of external releases with a high-slip, semi-permanent release for RTM composites and new internal processing aids to improve flow and mold release for nylon and other engineering resins as well as TPEs, TPUs, and TPOs.

Croda Universal has new slip additives to modify torque release of plastic closures, plus a thermally stable, vegetable-based oleamide. For nylon molders, DuPont is introducing a processing-aid concentrate of a fluoropolymer in nylon 66. It is said to cut cycle time and improve release.

Polyolefin film producers looking to boost output rates without sacrificing quality may get help from DuPont Dow Elastomers and Dyneon, both of which have new fluoropolymer processing aids.

Toughen it

PolyChem Alloy is launching MBS and ABS modifiers designed to help engineering plastics take a beating in the cold. LG Chem of South Korea is introducing Luprene transparent SBS elastomer that allows polystyrene to be both tough and clear. And Maine Plastics is introducing impact modifiers made from recycled tires.

Foam it

Reedy International Corp. is showing several new chemical blowing agents designed to solve specific problems. These include new additives that contain special surfactants to improve dispersion, ones tailored for high drying temperatures in polycarbonate and PC/ABS, and others that resist staining and browning in flame-retardant compounds. Some other products are aimed specifically at wood/plastic composites.

Expancel, Inc. is introducing new versions of physical blowing agents based on gas-filled polymeric microspheres. A new pelletized form of these heat-expandable spheres is easier to handle, as is a new masterbatch of Expancel spheres from Polyfoam Alloy.