What kinds of additive should be added to your products?

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1. Main function of polymer additives

Normally, manufactures choose additives used in plastics materials based on their intended performance over a chemical basis. For more convenience, EuP classifies additives into 8 groups with similar applications and functions.  

Functions Additives
Polymerization/chemical modification aids Accelerators
Chain growth regulators
Compatibilizers
Cross-linking agents
Promoters
Improvement in processability and productivity (transformation aids) Flow promoters
Plasticizers
Processing aids
Release agent
Surfactants
Thixotropic agents
Wetting agents
Defoaming and blowing agents
Increased resistance to degradation during processing application Acid scavengers
Biostabilisers
Light/UV stabilizers
Metal deactivators
Processing/thermal stabilisers
Improvement/modification of mechanical properties Compatibilizers
Cross-linking agents
Fibrous reinforcements (glass, carbon)
Fillers and particle reinforcements
Impact modifiers (elastomers)
Nucleating agents
Plasticizers or flexibility
Improvement of product performance Antistatic agents
Blowing agents
EMI shielding agents
Flame retardants
Friction agents
Odour modifiers
Plasticisers
Smoke suppressants
Improvement of surface properties Adhesion promoters
Anti Fogging agents
Antistatic agents
Antiwear additives
Coupling agents
Lubricants
Slip and anti blocking agents
Surfactants
Wetting agents
Improvement of optical properties Nucleating agents
Optical brighteners
Pigments and colorants
Reduction of formulation cost Diluents and extenders
Particulate fillers

Generally speaking, the main applications of additives are to reduce cost and alter polymer properties. In the past, manufacturers just sought to have one or two particular material improvements. However, in present, with the strong and fast development of R&D departments, multifunctional additives are born. Now, we can combine several different additive functionalities together. For example, EuP processing aid and flame retardant in cross-linked epoxies.

Read more: What are plastic additives? 8 most common plastic additives in plastic industry

2. Common concerns over additives

There are some typical concerns about additive technology raised by plastics manufacturers and producers. EuP takes the application of injection moulding of polyamides as an example.

However, the appropriate addition of chain extenders and nucleating agents, release agents...etc can tackle the problems without much effort. The benefits of additives are obvious. Additives are not simply a kind of optional ingredient, but an essential factor to plastics producers and manufacturers' success.

Main technology concerns
Short cycle times
Better mould release
Plate-out and deposits on moulds and plastics surfaces
Feeding problems
Increased dimensional stability, less shrinkage
Processing protection against depolymerisation and
yellowing
Better melt flow
Improved surface of glass-reinforced parts
Better strength of flow lines in moulded parts
Higher molecular weight
Rise of impact strength and elongation at break

Understand customer’s concern, EuP has developed 10 types of additives that will enhance your products and save cost effectively: 

  1. Weather Stabilizer
  2. Anti-Aging
  3. Anti-Fog
  4. Anti-static
  5. Flame retardant
  6. Desiccant / Humidity absorber 
  7. Anti-Blocking
  8. Slip Anti-blocking and Slip
  9. Processing Aid
  10. Odor scavenger

Contact us for more information and get a solution for optimizing your business.

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