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Troy launches silicone-free defoamer for polymers, rubber and more
MATERIALS
beneficial effects on the end product, increasing elongation at break and lowering the tensile strength, which in turn enables the plasticizer content to be reduced, BYK claims. In addition, it enhances surface smoothness/gloss, therefore improving lamination properties, the company says. The recommended loading level for Disperplast-1180 (as supplied) is 0.3–2%, depending on the filler. The optimal levels of the additive are determined by the type of filler and the particle size, BYK explains; the smaller the particle sizes, the higher the required dosage of the wetting and dispersing agent. The company emphasizes that optimal loading levels for a given blend should be determined through a series of laboratory tests, and that overdosing should be avoided. The additive can be incorporated at any time during dry blend production or compounding, or it can be added directly to the solids, BYK reports. More information: www.altana.com More information: www.byk.com/additives
Superior Graphite reveals additives product line for polymers market
C
hicago-based graphite and carbons specialist Superior Graphite has developed a new product line specifically for the polymers market. The FormulaPT™ range comprises synthetic and natural graphitic powders in non-purified and thermally purified forms, calcined petroleum coke, and the company’s resilient graphitic carbons (RGC™). According to Superior Graphite, these products can be used in a variety of applications including engineered and high-performance thermoplastics, thermoset resins, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), food contact, and CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) materials. In plastics, graphite is used as an additive mainly for improving tribological and conductive characteristics. Some FormulaPT products are developed using the company’s exclusive electro-thermal treatment/purification technology, which removes organic and inorganic impurities such as quartz, silica and iron that could act as abrasives, it explains. Thermally purified graphite and graphitic carbons are inert, which offers chemical stability while also significantly increasing the thermal and electrical conduc-
6
Additives for Polymers
tivity of polymers. In addition to increasing lubrication by lowering the coefficient of friction (CoF), the company’s proprietary RGC fillers also reduce wear, it reports. Thermally purified products in the new range are designed to meet European Union Food Contact Regulation No. 10/2011. Not all purities of a substance are suitable for food contact, even if no specifications are listed in the EU regulation’s list, Superior Graphite notes. However, FormulaPT products ensure the carbonaceous material is of suitable quality, it says. Polymers are finding increasing applications in industrial and domestic food handling and processing equipment, the company reports. In this sector, they can potentially replace metal, reducing material cost, and provide corrosion resistance. Modified polymers using graphitic materials are suitable for demanding applications that require the materials to be conductive or lubricious. Graphitic-modified polymers are ‘an excellent solution’ for self-lubricating parts in environments that cannot accommodate liquid lubricants, the company comments. RGC products are unique graphitic materials that exhibit extremely high resiliency, lubricity and purity, it claims. These materials are said to be very effective in friction modification in advanced technology applications such as plain bearings, torque limiters, water meters and pumps. Established in 1917, Superior Graphite provides continuous electro-thermal treatment/purification of graphite and carbons, advanced sizing, and custom-mix technologies for energy/thermal management, metallurgy, friction, drilling material additives, non-oxide ceramics, and polymers/CASE materials. More information: www.superiorgraphite.com
Troy launches silicone-free defoamer for polymers, rubber and more
S
peciality materials producer Troy Corp of Florham Park, NJ, USA, has added to its expanding portfolio of high-performance defoamers with the introduction of Troykyd D767. This defoaming additive is free from mineral oils, silicones and volatile organic compounds (VOC), and provides ‘outstanding air release’ in aqueous systems such as polymers, admixtures, natural rubber, adhesives and inks, the company claims.
August 2018
STRATEGIES
The new product is reported to be effective at low concentrations, often below 0.1%, and across a wide range of pH and temperature. It offers ‘excellent system compatibility’, making the new defoamer especially effective in low-viscosity systems, Troy claims. ‘Troykyd D767 is an excellent defoamer for systems requiring a mineral oil- and silicone-free product’, comments Dr Izzy Colon, Troy’s senior VP, Science & Technology. It shows ‘demonstrated value’ in defoaming/air release of aqueous systems, and is a VOC-free product that is well-suited for modern green applications, she adds. Troy Corp develops and manufactures speciality materials that enhance the properties and performance of its customers’ products and processes, and is committed to helping manufacturers meet global requirements for compliance and sustainability. Founded in 1950, the company is headquartered in Florham Park, with sales offices throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Troy materials are used in more than 100 countries worldwide. More information: www.troycorp.com
COMPANY STRATEGIES ...Continued from front page Headquartered in Tarrytown, NY, USA, Ampacet employs more than 2000 people worldwide. It operates 25 manufacturing sites as well as technical and colour development centres in 18 countries throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe. The company offers a broad range of custom colour, special effect, black, white and speciality additive masterbatches for flexible and rigid extrusion processes and applications. More information: www.ampacet.com
Clariant opens two new additives plants in China, breaks ground on a third
D
emonstrating its strong focus on China, which is one of the most important strategic markets for the company, Clariant inaugurated a duo of fully owned additives production facilities at its site in Zhenjiang, and then broke ground on
August 2018
a third plant – a joint venture for the production of stabilizers in Cangzhou, some 1250 km further north – on consecutive days in June. The new facilities in Zhenjiang are the result of a multimillion Swiss francs investment announced by the company last year for its Additives Business Unit (BU) [ADPO, July 2017], and are dedicated to the production of Clariant’s AddWorks synergistic additive solutions and Ceridust micronized waxes. Both of these product lines are used in various applications across the plastics, coatings and ink industries. Clariant says that the additional local production capacity will allow it to provide more tailored solutions for these three industries at shortened lead times. Such tailored solutions are viewed as a key component in continuing to expand Clariant’s sales in China, as they meet the demand for environmentally compatible and safe products as outlined in the country’s 13th Five Year Plan and the industrial policy ‘Made in China 2025’. They also allow Clariant to differentiate itself in the market environment. According to Stephan Lynen, head of Clariant’s Additives BU, speaking at the opening ceremony for the Zhenjiang plants, the company already has a strong focus on China, with its additives for plastics, coatings and consumer industries. ‘With the new investment and our enhanced innovation capabilities, our focus on this market is being strengthened further’, he says. The new plants – which are Clariant’s first fully owned production facilities in China – complement the company’s long-standing regional network of commercial and technical support, not only for China but also for the whole of Asia, Lynen comments. Clariant is ‘pursuing a dedicated strategy aimed at increasing and sharpening the focus on China’, adds Clariant executive committee member Christian Kohlpaintner. In Cangzhou, the joint venture between Clariant and Beijing Tiangang Auxiliary Co Ltd (Tiangang) is targeting the growing demand in China for process and light stabilizers. The ground-breaking ceremony marked the start of construction on a ‘world-class production facility’ for stabilizers that will form the heart of the partnership between the two companies. The facility is expected to come on stream in the first half of 2019, producing high-end stabilizers for the Asian plastics and textiles markets, Clariant reports. The joint venture between Clariant and Tiangang was established in September 2017 [ibid., February 2018], and combines the technology and production knowledge of both companies to provide ‘even better process and light stabilizers’ for various growing industries in China, including automotive and textiles, the companies say. According
Additives for Polymers
7
beneficial effects on the end product, increasing elongation at break and lowering the tensile strength, which in turn enables the plasticizer content to be reduced, BYK claims. In addition, it enhances surface smoothness/gloss, therefore improving lamination properties, the company says. The recommended loading level for Disperplast-1180 (as supplied) is 0.3–2%, depending on the filler. The optimal levels of the additive are determined by the type of filler and the particle size, BYK explains; the smaller the particle sizes, the higher the required dosage of the wetting and dispersing agent. The company emphasizes that optimal loading levels for a given blend should be determined through a series of laboratory tests, and that overdosing should be avoided. The additive can be incorporated at any time during dry blend production or compounding, or it can be added directly to the solids, BYK reports. More information: www.altana.com More information: www.byk.com/additives
Superior Graphite reveals additives product line for polymers market
C
hicago-based graphite and carbons specialist Superior Graphite has developed a new product line specifically for the polymers market. The FormulaPT™ range comprises synthetic and natural graphitic powders in non-purified and thermally purified forms, calcined petroleum coke, and the company’s resilient graphitic carbons (RGC™). According to Superior Graphite, these products can be used in a variety of applications including engineered and high-performance thermoplastics, thermoset resins, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), food contact, and CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) materials. In plastics, graphite is used as an additive mainly for improving tribological and conductive characteristics. Some FormulaPT products are developed using the company’s exclusive electro-thermal treatment/purification technology, which removes organic and inorganic impurities such as quartz, silica and iron that could act as abrasives, it explains. Thermally purified graphite and graphitic carbons are inert, which offers chemical stability while also significantly increasing the thermal and electrical conduc-
6
Additives for Polymers
tivity of polymers. In addition to increasing lubrication by lowering the coefficient of friction (CoF), the company’s proprietary RGC fillers also reduce wear, it reports. Thermally purified products in the new range are designed to meet European Union Food Contact Regulation No. 10/2011. Not all purities of a substance are suitable for food contact, even if no specifications are listed in the EU regulation’s list, Superior Graphite notes. However, FormulaPT products ensure the carbonaceous material is of suitable quality, it says. Polymers are finding increasing applications in industrial and domestic food handling and processing equipment, the company reports. In this sector, they can potentially replace metal, reducing material cost, and provide corrosion resistance. Modified polymers using graphitic materials are suitable for demanding applications that require the materials to be conductive or lubricious. Graphitic-modified polymers are ‘an excellent solution’ for self-lubricating parts in environments that cannot accommodate liquid lubricants, the company comments. RGC products are unique graphitic materials that exhibit extremely high resiliency, lubricity and purity, it claims. These materials are said to be very effective in friction modification in advanced technology applications such as plain bearings, torque limiters, water meters and pumps. Established in 1917, Superior Graphite provides continuous electro-thermal treatment/purification of graphite and carbons, advanced sizing, and custom-mix technologies for energy/thermal management, metallurgy, friction, drilling material additives, non-oxide ceramics, and polymers/CASE materials. More information: www.superiorgraphite.com
Troy launches silicone-free defoamer for polymers, rubber and more
S
peciality materials producer Troy Corp of Florham Park, NJ, USA, has added to its expanding portfolio of high-performance defoamers with the introduction of Troykyd D767. This defoaming additive is free from mineral oils, silicones and volatile organic compounds (VOC), and provides ‘outstanding air release’ in aqueous systems such as polymers, admixtures, natural rubber, adhesives and inks, the company claims.
August 2018
STRATEGIES
The new product is reported to be effective at low concentrations, often below 0.1%, and across a wide range of pH and temperature. It offers ‘excellent system compatibility’, making the new defoamer especially effective in low-viscosity systems, Troy claims. ‘Troykyd D767 is an excellent defoamer for systems requiring a mineral oil- and silicone-free product’, comments Dr Izzy Colon, Troy’s senior VP, Science & Technology. It shows ‘demonstrated value’ in defoaming/air release of aqueous systems, and is a VOC-free product that is well-suited for modern green applications, she adds. Troy Corp develops and manufactures speciality materials that enhance the properties and performance of its customers’ products and processes, and is committed to helping manufacturers meet global requirements for compliance and sustainability. Founded in 1950, the company is headquartered in Florham Park, with sales offices throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Troy materials are used in more than 100 countries worldwide. More information: www.troycorp.com
COMPANY STRATEGIES ...Continued from front page Headquartered in Tarrytown, NY, USA, Ampacet employs more than 2000 people worldwide. It operates 25 manufacturing sites as well as technical and colour development centres in 18 countries throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe. The company offers a broad range of custom colour, special effect, black, white and speciality additive masterbatches for flexible and rigid extrusion processes and applications. More information: www.ampacet.com
Clariant opens two new additives plants in China, breaks ground on a third
D
emonstrating its strong focus on China, which is one of the most important strategic markets for the company, Clariant inaugurated a duo of fully owned additives production facilities at its site in Zhenjiang, and then broke ground on
August 2018
a third plant – a joint venture for the production of stabilizers in Cangzhou, some 1250 km further north – on consecutive days in June. The new facilities in Zhenjiang are the result of a multimillion Swiss francs investment announced by the company last year for its Additives Business Unit (BU) [ADPO, July 2017], and are dedicated to the production of Clariant’s AddWorks synergistic additive solutions and Ceridust micronized waxes. Both of these product lines are used in various applications across the plastics, coatings and ink industries. Clariant says that the additional local production capacity will allow it to provide more tailored solutions for these three industries at shortened lead times. Such tailored solutions are viewed as a key component in continuing to expand Clariant’s sales in China, as they meet the demand for environmentally compatible and safe products as outlined in the country’s 13th Five Year Plan and the industrial policy ‘Made in China 2025’. They also allow Clariant to differentiate itself in the market environment. According to Stephan Lynen, head of Clariant’s Additives BU, speaking at the opening ceremony for the Zhenjiang plants, the company already has a strong focus on China, with its additives for plastics, coatings and consumer industries. ‘With the new investment and our enhanced innovation capabilities, our focus on this market is being strengthened further’, he says. The new plants – which are Clariant’s first fully owned production facilities in China – complement the company’s long-standing regional network of commercial and technical support, not only for China but also for the whole of Asia, Lynen comments. Clariant is ‘pursuing a dedicated strategy aimed at increasing and sharpening the focus on China’, adds Clariant executive committee member Christian Kohlpaintner. In Cangzhou, the joint venture between Clariant and Beijing Tiangang Auxiliary Co Ltd (Tiangang) is targeting the growing demand in China for process and light stabilizers. The ground-breaking ceremony marked the start of construction on a ‘world-class production facility’ for stabilizers that will form the heart of the partnership between the two companies. The facility is expected to come on stream in the first half of 2019, producing high-end stabilizers for the Asian plastics and textiles markets, Clariant reports. The joint venture between Clariant and Tiangang was established in September 2017 [ibid., February 2018], and combines the technology and production knowledge of both companies to provide ‘even better process and light stabilizers’ for various growing industries in China, including automotive and textiles, the companies say. According
Additives for Polymers
7