Masterbatches give colors and special properties to plastics. Its quality is very important for durability and functional properties of the product. A Masterbatch contains polymers, additives and colorants specifically formulated together to provide either a general or a specific function.
Apart from plastics UV masterbatch and black masterbatches are used to color polystyrene to make it glossier and make it more moldable.
Masterbatches are of following types.
• Basic masterbatches, black or white.
• The pigment master batch to color the plastic.
• The functional additive masterbatch to make the plastic heat resistant, weather resistant etc.
• Special Effect Masterbatches include metallic masterbatches, pearlescent, fluorescent, glow in dark masterbatches, transparent, edge glow, sparkle and granite masterbatches.
• UV masterbatch or Ultra violet masterbatch are new variety in masterbatches.
Basic Masterbatches
These are of two types, black masterbatches and white masterbatches.
Black Masterbatches are formulated using oils with high hydrocarbon content in them as well as fine particle carbon black as its main element.
Black masterbatches are mostly used for injection and blow molding, films and tapes carrier, garbage bags, agricultural film, wires and cables and sheet extrusion.
These days Ultra violet masterbatch are getting increasingly popular as they provide a gloss finish and are amenable to molding and quality sheet extrusion.
White is the largest selling color and has a huge potential in the market. Among all types of masterbatches used in plastic applications, white masterbatch is the one which is largest produced and most used. It provides whiteness, brightness and opacity to the final product.
Additive Masterbatches
These types of masterbatches are added to impart required special performance to the plastic. They can be of following types:
UV Stabilizers
Light stabilizers are used to protect plastics from discoloration, embrittlement and eventual degradation caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Applications include agricultural films, construction materials, lawn and garden equipment, signage and many other products used outdoors, as well as products exposed to fluorescent light and filtered daylight indoors.
Flame Retardants
Flame retardant additives make plastics safer by making them more difficult to ignite and by controlling their burning behavior.
Antistats
Antistatic agents prevent a buildup of static electricity on polymer surfaces. A sudden discharge can create sparks that may damage products such as computer chips and also invite risk of explosion in hazardous areas. Antistats help avoid such problems, while also improving processability and mold release.
Antiblocking/Slip Agents
Antiblocking and slip agents modify the surface of polymeric sheet or film, making
it rougher or more slippery.
Antimicrobials
Without antimicrobials, bacteria and spores can grow on the surface of plastics, resulting in staining, odor and other undesirable characteristics, including premature product failure. Antimicrobials protect plastic film, fibers and molded products against bacterial growth, fungi, mold and mildew.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, often called heat stabilizers, are organic substances that inhibit or retard polymer oxidation and its degrading effects. These include discoloration, change in viscosity, loss of physical properties, loss of clarity, and surface crazing or cracking.
Plastic consumption all over the world especially in India and China has multiplied. Keeping up with this trend Indian masterbatch manufacturers like RPIndustries have registered impressive growth. They are becoming a force to reckon with where UV masterbatch are concerned.
About the author:
The author……is a chemical engineer and is working in the plastic industry specializing in formulation of UV masterbatch. He is also an Internet enthusiast and has contributed with articles on chemical engineering. For more information visit: www.rpindustries.net
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