Additives & Colorants

Improvements in functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability highlighted discussions of colorant advances during the virtual CAD RETEC conference in September presented by SPE’s Colors and Appearance Division. The online event was one of many virtual presentations SPE has instituted to cope with travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recycling has become a turning point for environmental sustainability, reducing waste, and conserving natural resources. However, not all materials are equally easy to recycle.

ExxonMobil is using Techmer PM’s TechSperse dispersion technology to help HDPE blow molders reduce the let-down ratio of the colorant, thereby saving money and enabling thinner-walled containers while maintaining consistent coloring.

Microencapsulated flame retardants (MFRs) revolutionize the landscape of fire protection for polymer materials. They leverage encapsulation technology to enhance performance while addressing environmental and safety concerns. 

Antibacterial polymers are engineered to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, making them essential in healthcare and public settings.

Extrusion Troubleshooting becomes crucial to ensure high productivity, effectiveness, quality, and profit. All in a frame of the promising outlook of 4.7% market growth by 2032.

AQUACHILL™ Dispersion coating emerges as an innovative solution to address cool-touch performance in bedding clothes.

Microencapsulation enhances the performance of additives in a variety of plastics applications. This technology is invaluable for incorporating additives that possess explosive properties, are challenging to handle, exhibit high reactivity, or are PCMs. 

Employed by myriad sectors ranging from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail packaging to pharmaceuticals, construction, and even government identification initiatives, these technologies have played a pivotal role. Taggants imbue plastic products with an additional layer of security and authentication, presenting a formidable challenge to counterfeiters who attempt to replicate or alter these items.

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) stands out as a promising alternative to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” due to its lower environmental impact while maintaining similar benefits.

The pilot-scale fluoropolymer incineration study conducted by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) represents a significant stride in understanding the environmental impact of fluoropolymer disposal.

Dubai’s Museum of the Future stands as a beacon of innovation, showcasing revolutionary technologies and visionary concepts shaping our collective future.