Additives & Colorants

A new line of bactericidal additives incorporating silver nanoparticles promises to keep surfaces clean and disinfected in medical, public, and domestic environments. 

Plastic modification involves selecting the right additives to enhance the polymer’s properties, such as mechanical strength, surface quality, or processability.

PFAS regulation. Should they stay, or should they go? Legislative insights offer answers to common questions.

In the competitive world of plastic processing, ensuring clean machinery and minimal downtime is crucial for maintaining high production standards.

The study revealed that only the biodegradable-compostable packaging fully decomposed. Oxo-biodegradables showed minimal degradation.

McCallah Ferry, a University of Akron researcher, conducted a study on granular activated carbon (GAC) filters to determine if removing PFAS from water is possible.  The research confirms that GAC filters effectively remove PFAS, ensuring safe drinking water.

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.