How is silicone masterbatch used in polymer processing industry?

The polymer processing industry is growing at a rapid pace around the world. It is already billions dollar industry. Plastic manufacturers are trying to meet consumer demands on qualities and functionalities to enjoy commercial success.

There has been continuous research and development to create chemicals that improve output and satisfy the needs of consumers. The masterbatches, additives, and special effects pellets have made things easier for processors. Today's polymeric products are a result of chemical engineers dedication to develop and create new chemicals for this sector.

Roles of Silicone Masterbatch in Improving Plastic Processing

Processing of raw polymers need masterbatches in a plant. There is a multitude of additives used in this sector. The silicone masterbatch is one of the most popular choices for processors in plastic processing improvements.

Silicone masterbatch is a white pellet consisting of 30% to 50% ultra-high molecular weight siloxane polymer. It is used in the thermoplastic resins such as PE, PP, PA, and other carrier resin compatible with the system. They can be used in mould filling, mould release, and extrusion torque while modifying the surface properties with surface quality, lower coefficient of friction and scratch resistance.

Top features of a silicone additive

l Enhance the mobility of resin, processing performance and mould release.

l Increase the output of productivity while reducing defective rates.

l Safe for surface printing.

l Cause no precipitation.

l Meet ROHS directives.

Upgraded Silicone additive

Compared to standard silicone masterbatch, the upgraded silicone additive has bigger molecular weight, quality and efficiency. They are used in demanding application to improve processability and flow of resin in the compatible system.

The upgraded silicone powder is another offshoot product of this additive. Formed with 50% to 70% ultra-high molecular weight, it enhances processability and efficiency of the resin system and modifies surface properties. It also has uses in engineering plastics, HTPA, and so on.

Additionally, this additive has uses in automotive and non-automotive parts in the plastics processing industry. The non-automotive components consist of exposed parts from the electrical outer parts, tablet, computers, mobile phone shell, and others. All these parts demand scratch-resistant properties in plastics. Thus, this additive has been significant uses in this sector.

Top features of this additive

l Improve processing performance and reduced wear of equipment and defection rate.

l Lowers coefficient of friction and increase surface smoothness, gloss, texture and make scratch resistance.

l Increase fuel resistance, reduce smoke density and impact strength.

l Bring stability and non-migratory.

Industrial applications:

l Used to make ABS materials, TV and LED covers.

l PC/ABS alloy.

Automotive Interiors Anti-scratch Masterbatch

The demand for anti-scratch masterbatches is high in the market. The silicone masterbatch has vast usages due to this property like interior trim, seals, bumper and household appliances. A small dosage of this additive can improve abrasion resistance with any spray. Thus, it is cost-saving and eco-friendly. Further, the product will have good stability, non-migrate, low odour, and low VOCS.

Conclusion

The silicone is one of the most crucial additives used to increase the output of plastic products like BOPET masterbatch. It is better than traditional wax oil and additive in improving slippage during production. Thus, plastic processors prefer to use them in the output.

The author has a keen interest in gathering information about plastic manufacturing processes. In this article, he has written about the significance of white and black masterbatch in the industry.