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Products Definitions Thermoplastics Polyolefins is the generic term for polymers which are derived from base chemicals known as olefins. They include polypropylene and polyethylene which form tough, flexible plastic. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer used in a variety of applications including food packaging, textiles, plastic parts and reusable containers. It is unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, rugged and with good resistance to fatigue. Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer created through polymerization of ethane. It is classified into several different categories based on density and branching. High Density Polyethylene or HDPE is used in products such as detergent bottles, margarine tubs and garbage containers. Linear Low Density Polyethylene or LLDPE is used in the manufacture of amongst others, film for bags and sheets, cable covering, toys, lids, buckets and containers and pipes. Low Density Polyethylene or LDPE is used in the manufacture of amongst others, rigid containers and plastic film applications such as plastic bags and film wrap. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) PET Is a thermoplastic polymer of the polyester family used in synthetic fibres, beverage food and other liquid containers etc. PVC is a widely used thermoplastic polymer. As a hard plastic it is used for pipe, plumbing, conduit fixtures and other construction applications. In its softer form in can be used in clothing, upholstery, flexible hoses and tubing, flooring and electrical cable insulation. PVC pipe plumbing is typically white. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) ABS is a common thermoplastic used to make light, rigid, moulded products such as pipes, automotive body parts and protective headgear. ABS pipe plumbing is typically black. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) High Impact Polystyrene or HIPS is created when polybutadiene is added to polystyrene to impart increased strength and flexibility. Common applications are product casings and toys. Performance enhancing additives A corrosion inhibitor is a chemical compound that when added in small concentration, stops or slows down corrosion. An anti-static agent is a additive used for the treatment of materials in order to reduce or eliminate the build-up of static electricity. A flame retardant is an additive which will enable the end product to inhibit or resist flammability. A UV or light stabilizer is a material used to resist weathering thereby reducing the ageing effects such as yellowing, loss of light transmission, loss of impact resistance and loss of gloss. Processing aid is an additive which minimises friction between the polymer and the machine’s interior to facilitate a smoother polymer flow and dispersion. It also helps to prevent melt fracture and die build-up inside an extruder. Anti – fog is an additive which prevents the formation of visible condensation. Anti-oxidants help to combat the effects of oxidation namely loss of strength and impact resistance. Anti – block is an additive which reduces the adhesion between different layers of film. Slip additives help prevent self adhesion and friction between different layers of polymer film. The Biomaster Range of silver-based additives provides exceptional antimicrobial performance, is thermally stable and available for all masterbatch carriers. The unique nature of Biomaster gives your polymer excellent bacterial protection from healthcare infections, food related bacteria and odour control. Masterbatch SA is the exclusive supplier of Biomaster in South Africa. For more information go to: www.biomasteradditives.co.uk |
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