Pigment & Additive Masterbatches

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What Is Pigment masterbatch?

Masterbatches for polymers mass coloring are concentrates that transform thermoplastic and thermoset polymers from colorless and opaque materials to brilliant and colored. The craft of polymer coloring is not only a matter of knowing the basics of the colors perception optical phenomena, but also understanding the reactions that pigments and dyes can have with base resin, mineral fillers and additives as well as the material final application and the processes undertaken. There are soluble colorant substances (dyes) and insoluble substances (pigments) that can be organic or inorganic, natural or synthetic. Combinations of these types of ingredients are contained in the modern masterbatches along with other non-coloring additives. It is through this complexity that it is possible to develop strength, depth and resistance to colors.

Pigment masterbatch

Properties of Pigment masterbatches

Some of the masterbatch must-have characteristics required by the market are:

  •  High concentration for a high coverage capacity with low impact on the polymer’s properties
  • Uniform distribution for high-throughput processes
  • Easy dosing for process automation
  • Stability at process conditions
  • Stability at employment conditions
  • Transparency or opacity based on request
  • Possibility to create special effects such as fluorescence, opalescence, glittering etc.
  • Absence of heavy metals or harmful ingredients for the manufacturing of articles in contact with food, potable water or medical devices, etc.

Material processing

Among the different coloring technologies available to process polymers, MESGO Iride Colors can supply masterbatches in granules, pastes, liquid and predispersed powders. In all these four cases, the dispersion of different components is obtained at high shear by using available technologies to process the polymers. Another important aspect is the color matching, mainly obtained by preparing a countertype on customer’s request and by imitating from the reference color table (RAL or Pantone) or transferring one color from one material to another.

What Is pigment masterbatch Typically Used For?

Color and conductive masterbatches for VMQ: HCR, LSR and RTV

Coloring solutions for any silicone rubber application for extrusion, molding and calendaring. Customized and ready to go solution in compliance with the international standard in order to achieve every customer need.

Color masterbatches for: Thermoset & Thermoplastic

A wide range of masterbatch for extrusion and moulding suitable for EPDM, NBR, SBR, FKM, EVA, LDPE, PP, PVC, GPPS, ABS and SAN together with tailor made solution to better meet the request of the market. A broad range of additives masterbatch for a complete solution set.

Color pastes in plasticizers:

Many solutions for different market applications available in phthalates of phthalate-free-based plasticizers.

Plasticizers

What Is Additive masterbatch?

Additives are ingredients pivotal for polymers’ employment success. Without antioxidant additives, for example, all products made of polypropylene and polyethylene largely used both for private and industrial purposes would not be available. Other materials, such as dispersant additives and process aids, ensure polymer materials are processable so as to ease their transformation in all diverse formats.

The mechanisms that regulate degradation and stabilisation accordingly, but also rheology and processing, are strictly linked to the polymer – the basics of compound formulation. It is therefore necessary to understand the related  physical-chemical phenomena to calculate the reaction likely to happen by adding any additive. A plasticizer, for example, can affect the transformation process and also the article’s tribological properties. The same as a stabilising additive can affect mechanical properties, electrical and thermal conductivity. Different additives can also produce synergetic effects.

Additive masterbatch

Properties of Additive masterbatches

Some of the physical-mechanical properties that are influenced by additive masterbatches are:

  • Mechanical properties
  • Thermal resistance
  • Light resistance
  • Ozone resistance
  • Flame resistance and self-extinguishing properties
  • Rheology
  • Thermal and electrical conductivity
  • Specific gravity
  • Resistance to fungi and bacteria
  • Traceability

Production

Additive masterbatches for VMQ: HCR

Product specifically designed to modify and improve properties and performances of silicone-based compounds. A complete set of additives, from flame retardant to polymer modifier suitable for different market and applications.

Additive masterbatches for thermoplastic:

Product specifically formulated for increasing the performance of materials, suitable for different application in different base from technopolymer to polyolefins. Our product range, called “SwingAdd”, offer a wide range of additives like dessicant masterbatch, flame retardant, anti-blocking, antibacterial and anti-fungal.

Material processing

Additives for thermoplastic and thermoset materials  are formulated using the technologies suitable for the processing of the carrier polymer. Additives are generally supplied in granules and can be used both during the compounding or directly during their transformation phase (moulding, extrusion). Additives for VMQ are supplied in HCR form.

What Is additive masterbatch Typically Used For?

Typical applications for additive masterbatches

  • Food films
  • Drawer rails
  • Technical film profiles
  • Gardening products
  • Films for mulching
  • Cables
  • O-ring
  • Tube & Hose

Contact our global experts

To learn more about how we can make a material difference in your business, contact our skilled staff representatives for more detailed information.

HEXPOL Group