Additives
Modifying PVC with Bio-Based PHA Rubber
A new class of renewable and very efficient multifunctional modifiers for PVC has been developed at Metabolix. This series of biobased PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) copolymers offers toughening, plasticization, and improved processing of all types of PVC compounds. They also have good UV stability and transparency, do not promote biodegradation, and are fungi resistant.
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Addivant: New Identity for Leader in Additives
A new corporate identity with a focus on polymer additives emerged last month when the antioxidant and UV stabilizer 大象传媒 of Chemtura Corp., Middlebury, Conn., was acquired by SK Capital, a New York-based private equity firm focusing on specialty materials, chemicals, and healthcare.
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Novel Permanent UV Absorber for Plastics
What appears to be a breakthrough in UV stabilization technology for thin films and clear molded parts has been developed jointly by Joe Webster, a well-known expert in plastics additives and president of consulting firm Stabilization Technologies LLC, Charlotte, N.C.; and The SEFA Group of Lexington, S.C., a leader in recycled minerals, primarily for concrete used in construction.
Read MorePolyone Sells PVC Resin Business, Forms New Sheet Division
PolyOne Corp., Cleveland, has agreed to sell its vinyl dispersion, blending, and suspension resin assets to Mexichem, S.A.B., de C.V. of Mexico.
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New Technology Permits PVDF Foaming
New technology from Arkema Inc., Philadelphia, allows foaming its Kynar PVDF fluoropolymers, paving the way for new applications for foam-core pipe and sheet in aerospace, aircraft, and automotive.
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Pallets, Pellets Use Old Tires as Feedstock
Custom injection and compression molder CTC Plastics, Dayton, Ohio, recently rolled out a line of pallets and will be supplying the resin compounds used to make them as well.
Read MoreBiobased PHA Enhances PVC Processing & Performance
Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., has developed a series of biobased PHA copolymers that act as impact modifiers, flexibilizers, and processing aids for rigid and flexible PVC.
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Use MFR Cautiously with Filled Materials
If melt flow rate tests are used to evaluate the effect of processing on the average molecular weight of the polymer, the applicable rules must consider the contribution of the filler to the test result.
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Glass-Like Colored COC for Pharma Packaging, Medical Devices
WEB EXCLUSIVE: A collaboration between Clariant Masterbatches, Holden, Mass., and Topas Advanced Polymers, Florence, Ky., is bringing bright, clear colors to pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices made of TOPAS cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). Clariant’s new precolored compounds and color concentrates are part of the Mevopur family of products developed for companies whose applications require risk control, product consistency, and regulatory compliance. “Topas COC has become the material of choice for pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices,” says Barbara Canale, healthcare market-development manager for Topas Advanced Polymers. “It offers high shine even in thick sections and, unlike resins such as polycarbonate and polyester, has a non-reactive surface.
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Sub-Micron Additives Make Strides (Just Don’t Say ‘Nano’)
High-surface-area, sub-micron-size additives have been making significant commercial strides in thermoplastic applications, albeit generally later than had been expected just a decade ago.
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