Our valuable additives for plastics
Plastics recycling
A main barrier of using recycled material is the requirement to efficiently separate incompatible plastics, a very time-consuming and costly process. The Vistamaxx range allows incompatible PE and PP plastics to mix in the melt, reducing the need for separation. Vistamaxx is a propylene-based elastomer that used it properties for a wide range within the recycling sector. It can overcome challenges caused by incompatibility between PE/PP in recycled materials, which can have beneficial effect on breakage point, aesthetics, softer touch and improved flexibility. Furthermore, recycled resins can be processed much easier and at the same time increase the amounts of the recycled resin. SureFlo® is a black color thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin that is a high-performance multifunctional flow enhancer and homogenizing agent used in plastics recycling that increases throughput, reduces cycle time, reduces the processing temperature, and produces complex complete parts with improved surface texture and part appearance with reduced defects such as tiger stipes and flow lines. The reduced processing temperature results in less thermal degradation and therefore retention of physical properties. SureFlo® also reduces downtime from less frequent die cleaning. Trexan will distribute SureFlo® for all types of plastic recycling that includes but is not limited to Blow Molding, Injection Molding, Extrusion, Thermoforming, and Compounding.
Fischer-Tropsch waxes
TER Chemicals offers a variety of Fischer-Tropsch waxes and oxidized waxes under the brand of Shell GTL Sarawax, Vestowax and Terwax. Fischer-Tropsch waxes are synthetic waxes that are produced from natural gas and air using the Fischer-Tropsch process. They consist mainly of unbranched chains and have a linear structure, which results in a low viscosity. In addition, they exhibit an increased hardness and high temperature resistance compared to other waxes. Fischer-Tropsch waxes are mainly used in the plastic industry. They can be applied in plastic processing, injection molding, extrusion and pelletizing. Fischer-Tropsch waxes help to disperse fillers and provide excellent lubrication properties during compounding of masterbatches and modified plastics.
For the internal lubrication in plastic processing, such as PVC and ABS polymers, more polar waxes are used, because they are more compatible to the polymer matrix and have a beneficial influence on the flow behavior during processing. In addition, their high affinity to the plastic matrix allows for good transparency and minimizes surface migration, which may have a negative impact on adhesion during printing, gluing and welding.
Low polarity or non-polar waxes are used to provide external lubrication. They provide lubrication and release between the polymer and the processing equipment (extrusion and injection molding). Optimal performance relies on the correct balance of molecular weight, chain morphology and polarity to achieve the desired effect at lowest addition levels, because high dosage levels may lead to poor surface properties and bonding problems.
Fischer-Tropsch waxes enhance pigment dispersion and make plastics easier to color.
Waxes disperse pigments homogeneously in the masterbatch polymer carrier even at elevated quantities. The waxes help produce even coloration, very high color strengths, smooth surfaces and help maximize the efficient use of valuable pigments.
Ultraphor® K – Optical brightening for plastics
Ultraphor® K products are based on benzoxazole derivatives. They are suitable for brightening of plastics such as polyethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene or polyacrylic butadiene styrene. Masses brightening of synthetic fibers made from polyester and polyacrylic nitrile also is possible. Brilliant white tones from neutral to blue/blue-violet are achieved with Ultraphor® K products. The high light fastness and migration resistance are convincing in the application. Some of these optical brighteners are also approved for food contact. Ultraphor® K products are used, for example, in adhesives, packaging, textile fibers and paints.
Tenray® zinc oxides for UV protection
The ultrafine Tenray® zinc oxides from EverCare protect efficiently against UVA-UVB radiation when used for example in flexible and rigid transparent food packaging. It is compatible with a wide variety of polymers such as PE, PP, PLA and enables protection to both polymer and packaged content. Their non-migratory properties allow for several grades to be approved for indirect food contact. Tenray® products are natural, heat stable, photostable and fully recyclable. Furthermore, Tenray® ultrafine zinc oxides are effective against a wide range of odor-causing bacteria. We offer a broad range of coated and uncoated powders with different grain size as well as ready-to-use masterbatches for optimal compounding results.
Meet us at the "K" fair in Düsseldorf from 19. - 26.10.2022!
Any questions? Please contact me!
Jens Vinke
Head of BU CASE
Phone: +49 40 300 501 8013
E-Mail: j.vinke[at]tergroup.com