Types of Polymer Additives

Plastics manufacturing has evolved dramatically over time. Plastics were originally produced using a few natural materials, but now there are thousands of plastics made from a variety of natural and synthetic materials. One of the major changes in plastic formulation over time has been the use of polymer additives.

Additives are chemicals that are added to the base polymer to improve processing properties, extend service life, and/or achieve desired physical or chemical properties in the final product. Although additives are usually present in amounts of only a few percentage points, their effect on polymer performance and stability is significant. Once the additives are added, the polymer blend is called a masterbatch and processed accordingly.

Plastic Antioxidants

Types of Polymer Additives

There are countless options for additives, each with a specific improvement in the functionality or stability of the polymer. Selecting the right additive for your polymer can seem like a daunting task - which is why it is critical to choose a partner like Forever Chemical who has extensive expertise in a variety of additives and experience in state-of-the-art compounding and the blending process. Forever Chemical will guide you through the selection process to ensure the right additive is chosen for your specific application.

The following are common categories of polymer additives. Even within a specific category, such as flame retardants, there are many additives to choose from; the additive best suited for a given plastic depends greatly on the base polymer (to ensure compatibility) and the application of the end product.

Antioxidant 1076 Cas 2082-79-3

-> Plasticizers: Base polymers are usually rigid and do not have the flexibility and rheology or flow required for plastics processing. Plasticizers are added to improve rheology and flexibility. Plasticizers are one of the most common polymer additives, such as phthalates used in PVC products.

->Nucleating agents: These additives improve mechanical properties and transparency. They also speed up plastic crystallization and reduce overall cycle time.

-> Anti-aging stabilizers: Almost all plastics are susceptible to degradation when exposed to ultraviolet light (e.g., sunlight) and oxygen (including ozone). Degradation leads to brittleness, discoloration and loss of some physical properties. Additives called antioxidants, stabilizers or anti-ozone agents are added to prevent plastic deterioration and significantly extend the life of the final product.

Examples of antioxidants include phenols, arylamines and phosphates, and examples of UV stabilizers include benzophenones and benzotriazoles. In addition, black is an excellent UV absorber, so paints, dyes or elemental carbon blacks are often added to protect products from UV exposure.

Antioxidant 1010 CAS 6683-19-8

-> Blowing agents: These additives are added to the base polymer, and when specific temperatures are reached during processing, they decompose, releasing gases that form a porous structure in the plastic. This structure reduces density and improves insulation properties. There are many different blowing agents to choose from, from salts to complex nitrogen releasing chemicals.

->Odor: There are also additives that can modify the odor of the final product. An example of an odorant is the addition of chemicals to paint to produce a more pleasant odor.

-> Antimicrobial: Antimicrobial additives are becoming increasingly popular given the trend toward implantable medical devices and other technologies. These agents prevent plastics from deteriorating and reduce the likelihood of microbial attack.

As an ISO 9001 qualified company, we specialize in the manufacture and research of various kinds of chemicals, including water treatment chemicals, dyes intermediates, plastic antioxidant, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and APIs. And our products are well-received by customers both at home and abroad. For more information and consultation, contact us here!