Industrial applications, benefits and features of silicone masterbatch

Author: Priya Verma

Masterbatches are an essential part of polymer processing and industrial applications. Additives ensure optimum compatibility in plastic processing when added to a base polymer. A variety of additives masterbatches are available in the market to enhance processability, functionalities, and impart colours to the polymer products. Hence, here are the critical polymer additives available in plastic manufacturing:

  • Colour masterbatches such as yellow, blue, silver, and others.
  • Additives to impart new properties and functionalities.
  • Special effect masterbatches to give chromatic effects on products.

All the masterbatches have extensive usages and significance in the plastic processing industry. Thus, companies prefer to choose an ideal masterbatch according to aim and intended feature to include in a polymer product.

Silicone masterbatch as an additive

Silicone is one of the most popular additives in plastic processing. The additive enhances processing of a base polymer acting as a slipping agent in the packaging and printing solution. As a result, companies use silicone masterbatch to increase the output of products during the processing. The pellet forms masterbatch reduces the coefficient of friction, which causes a heating problem in handling. Further, the silicone additive helps in increasing smoothness of surface finish, gloss and obtain products with consistent quality.

Earlier to the availability of silicone masterbatch, wax and conventional oils were used for processing polymer. The masterbatch acts as a lubricant, and auxiliary agent enhances the performance of plastic processing by companies. The additive is used as an internal and external lubricant to bring migration stability of polymer additives.

Silicone exhibits the following properties

As one of the top polymer additives in plastic manufacturing, the silicone gives the following properties:

  • Provides elasticity, pliability and flexibility.
  • Exhibits stability and durability in extremely high or low temperature, chemical and oxidation.
  • Resistance to weather.
  • Resistance to ageing.
  • Enhanced dielectric properties.
  • Low-efficient of friction.
  • Inertness
What are the applications of a silicone masterbatch?

The application of a silicone masterbatch brings the following changes in the products:

  • It reinforces the mechanical properties, filler and compatibility formulations.
  • Improves physical properties such as impact resistance, flame retardant and light diffusion.
  • Enhance the output and productivity of products in the processing.
  • Reduce energy costs in manufacturing plastics.
What are the benefits of silicone masterbatch?
  • Increase the mould fill and release.
  • Enhance melt flow and reduce backpressure.
  • Improve dispersion
  • Make product surface smooth, glossy, and resistant to scratch.
  • Enhance ageing resistance.
  • Reduce die-build-up and melt shrinkage.
  • Used to improve printing and dyeing process.
  • Compatible with the ROHS, REACH, and FDA.
Applications of silicone additive in plastic processing

The silicone masterbatch is used in the following applications:

  • Polyolefins such as PE, PP, XLPE, PPR, PEX, and POE, among others.
  • Thermoplastic elastomer such as TPE.
  • ABS
  • Polyamides such as PA and Nylon
  • Thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU.
  • Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)

It is also used in the following manufacturing methods:

  • Blow film.
  • Pipe through the extrusion.
  • Injection moulding.
  • Casting
  • Blow Moulding.

Conclusion

The use of silicone masterbatch is improving output and productivity for plastic manufacturers. With technology advancement, the additive has got more effective and less costly for companies in this industry. But, companies must procure a compatible and quality additive to get a better result.