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Brüggemann presents multiple new additives for polyamides and rubber
additives
POLYMERS
ISSN 0306-3747 February 2017
www.additivesforpolymers.com
Brüggemann presents multiple new additives for polyamides and rubber
P
roducers of cast polyamides, polyamide compounds and rubbers are set to benefit from a series of new additives introduced by German speciality chemicals manufacturer BrüggemannChemical. According to the company, the new products are intended not only to extend the range of applications for these materials but also to contribute to greater cost efficiency during plastics conversion. New developments for anionically polymerized AP-Nylon® cast polyamides (that is, polyamides produced using Brüggemann’s AP-Nylon caprolactam) include heat stabilizer Brüggolen® TP-C1608, impact modifier Brüggolen TP-C 1312 and retarding activator Brüggolen C25. Described as a ‘particularly efficient’ heat stabilizer, Brüggolen TP-C1608 raises the long-term service temperature of cast polyamide parts from the previous limit of 120°C to a new high of 150°C, while also significantly reducing aging across the whole temperature range, Brüggemann claims. In extensive tests carried out at 150°C, cast nylon components containing the new stabilizer retained more than 50% of their tensile strength after 500 hours, the company reports. Brüggolen TP-C1608 can be added to existing AP-Nylon formulations, Brüggemann confirms. With the development of this stabilizer, Brüggemann says it is supporting the automotive-driven trend towards lightweight
construction and extending it to other industrial applications that are exposed to high-temperature conditions. Cast polyamide can thus replace heavy metal parts and even entire subassemblies, all of which benefit from its inherent excellent damping properties and high corrosion resistance and which now can also be subjected to increased temperatures, the company explains. Furthermore, AP-Nylon heatstabilized with Brüggolen TP-C1608 also extends the possible applications for prototype mouldings, it says. In cases where the basic toughness of AP-Nylon is inadequate and the very high impact strength of the company’s Nyrim polyamide 6 block copolymers exceeds requirements, the new Brüggolen TP-C 1312 impact modifier provides ‘the ideal solution’, Brüggemann claims. By varying the dosage of the additive and thus the elastomer content (between 3% and 20%), it makes it possible to adjust accurately the impact strength to the demands of the application, the company says. In this way, polymers modified with Brüggolen TP-C 1312 ‘bridge the gap’, in terms of cost and performance, between unmodified cast polyamides and Nyrim. Modification with the new additive also reduces the hardness of moulded parts to between 80 and 60 Shore D so that, for example, rollers can run more softly and thus more quietly, while with semi-finished products any tendency to fracture is Continued on page 2...
Contents MATERIALS Brüggemann presents multiple new additives for polyamides and rubber
1
Dow Corning launches silicone masterbatch for PE wire and cable applications 3 Clariant extends AddWorks range with solutions for automotive, agriculture & packaging…
3
… and unveils anti-counterfeiting and colour-matching partnerships
4
Wacker introduces additives for wood-plastic composites, bioplastics and more
5
Palsgaard reveals bio-based functional additives for polymers at K 2016
6
Gelest unveils coupling agent for light-cure acrylic nanocomposites 7
COMPANY STRATEGIES Solvay starts up South Korean HDS production; sells Neolor pigments business 7 Lehmann & Voss opens Chinese compounding and masterbatch facility 8 Croda inaugurates office in Iran
8
Holland Colours completes European laboratory upgrades
9
Ineos buys Resysta licence for renewable PVC filler
9
FINANCIALS Cabot posts improved income on lower sales in 4Q & full-year 2016
9
Lanxess reports strong income development in 3Q 2016; again raises full-year guidance 10
MARKETS Nucleating & clarifying agents market to reach US$4.45 billion by 2026
11
EVENTS CALENDAR
12
8
FOR
Visit us today at: www.additivesforpolymers.com
ISSN 0306-3747/17 © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by Elsevier Ltd, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use: Photocopying Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit educational classroom use.
MATERIALS
...Continued from front page reduced during machining, Brüggemann reports. All applications benefit from virtually streak-free mouldings because of the very homogeneous dispersion of the elastomer phase in the AP-Nylon matrix, it adds. Retarding activator Brüggolen C25 is claimed to slow down the polymerization process of AP-Nylon in a more controlled manner than was previously possible with the company’s standard grade Brüggolen C20P; whereas the transition time from liquid to solid phase with the standard is between 1 and 5 min, times of 2 to 10 min can be attained with Brüggolen C25, according to Brüggemann. This facilitates the casting of parts with large dimensions, small wall thicknesses or complex geometries, as well as simplifying the manufacture of high-grade, two-dimensional, glass or fabric-reinforced composites, the company says. Furthermore, the new activator allows parts to be filled more slowly during the product development phase in order to study and optimize the processes, it reports. As far as processing is concerned, the additive does not require any change to the temperatures of the polymer and mould. The mechanical properties of the resulting polymers are similar, although Brüggolen C25 is characterized by a slightly yellowish colour, Brüggemann says. A new flow enhancer, Brüggolen TP-P1507, is claimed to ‘significantly increase’ the flowability of glass-filled polyamides while maintaining a ‘very good mechanical property profile’. Especially at high glass fibre levels, this allows ‘highly improved’ processability along with very good tensile strength, stiffness and toughness, facilitating the production of technical parts via extrusion and injection moulding, the company reports. The easy flow properties obtained with Brüggolen TP-P1507 permit reduced injection moulding pressures and temperatures, shortening cycle times and lowering energy consumption, Brüggemann says. It also makes more-complex design geometries possible. New nucleating agent Brüggolen TP-P1401 is nonvolatile and stable at high processing temperatures. Its use ensures ‘effective nucleation and very fast crystallization’ of polyamides and supports the formation of a morphology with very small, homogeneously distributed spherulites, Brüggemann explains. This improves mechanical properties and significantly enhances the surface appearance of reinforced polyamides even with high glass fibre contents, facilitating the substitution of metals in visible areas, it suggests. The higher crystallization temperature allows earlier demoulding and thus enables shorter cycle times, the company adds.
2
Additives for Polymers
Both Brüggolen TP-P1507 and Brüggolen TP-P1401 additives are dust-free polymer granules that can be accurately metered, according to Brüggemann. They disperse very easily in the polyamide matrix making them ideal for compounding, it says. Materials produced with these processing aids can be injection moulded as normal. Brüggolen TP-P1401 can also be added directly into an injection moulding machine, the company reports. In addition to processing aids, Brüggemann has also introduced an additive that assists the recycling of polyamide scrap to high-quality, injection moulding grade material. Brüggolen TP-M1417 enables a controlled shortening of molecular chains in high-viscosity polyamide scrap from, for example, fibre production. While retaining mechanical properties, this additive allows ‘defined and reproducible’ adjustment of target viscosities and can result in material suitable for injection moulding with flow properties and mechanical performance comparable to that of virgin material, the company reports. To serve the rubber industry, Brüggemann’s Industrial Chemicals division has developed new zinc oxide (ZnO) activators as well as recently opening a dedicated Technical Centre. The new range of ZnO PRO vulcanization accelerators reportedly combines ‘previously unattained’ cost efficiency with ‘high effectiveness and increased sustainability’. The products, which are produced by a wet chemical process, combine the latest findings in rubber compounding with lower costs and reduced heavy metal content, the company comments. At the same time, they allow the direct substitution of conventional thermal ZnO without the need to modify the formulation or make compromises on performance, it claims. ZnO PRO is suitable for the entire application range for sulphur-vulcanizable rubber, from technical parts and consumer goods to tyres, Brüggemann reports. The new range initially comprises three readily dispersible accelerators: A250 (the lowest-priced grade), R260 and A280. All three result in vulcanizates with a high crosslinking density and uniform mechanical properties, according to the company. As regards the attainable vulcanization level, A250 approximately equates to the existing industry standard Red Seal but with considerably lower costs, while the other two are significantly more effective than Red Seal despite their favourable price, Brüggemann claims. Heavy metal contents in the end product range from below 1.0% with A280 and R260 (1.6% for Red Seal) to less than 0.6% with the A250 type. In related news, Brüggemann recently opened a new, fully equipped Technical Centre for determining the processing,
February 2017
MATERIALS
vulcanizing and performance properties of elastomers. A major role will be in the tailor-made, application-oriented optimization and synthesis of zinc-based activators, such as the ZnO PRO series, for in-house developments and on the customer’s behalf, it says. According to the company, this move underlines ‘its outstanding R&D competence’ as an additive manufacturer to the rubber industry. Contact: BrüggemannChemical, L. Brüggemann KG, Heilbronn, Germany. Tel: +49 71 31 15750, Web: www.brueggemann.com
MATERIALS Dow Corning launches silicone masterbatch for PE wire and cable applications
T
he latest offering from Dow Corning is a new, advanced silicone technology specifically designed to optimize the processability of highly mineral-filled polyethylene (PE) compounds for wire and cable applications. The company claims that Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch is the first in the industry to combine ‘best-in-class’ processing with an affordable cost. By reducing screw torque, die build-up and die pressure, the new product can improve extrusion throughput by up to 110% compared to PE compounds without a processing additive, the Dow Chemical subsidiary reports. According to the company, Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch raises the throughput of PE compounds with high mineral loadings (up to 70% by weight) by reducing screw torque by as much as 30%. In turn, lower torque accelerates production and cuts energy costs, it comments. Use of the silicone masterbatch also decreases the frequency of interruptions for cleaning as it reduces die build-up and die pressure, Dow Corning says. By narrowly targeting processability issues instead of including extra functionality, the new masterbatch achieves ‘outstanding results’ at a competitive price, the company claims. Further enhancing its cost-effectiveness, the new product is ‘highly efficient’ at lower loadings (0.5–1.0%), outperforming competitive silicone-based additives, Dow Corning reports.
February 2017
Supplied globally in the form of free-flowing pellets, Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch is compatible with low-density PE (LDPE), linear low-density PE (LLDPE) and crosslinked PE (XLPE). ‘The wire and cable industry is moving toward the use of halogen-free flame retardants but these mineral additives can cause major processing issues due to the high loadings that are required for effectiveness’, explains Christophe Paulo, global segment leader, Plastics & Composites for Dow Corning. Until now, customers were forced to choose between expensive, over-engineered additives with higher performance, or low-cost but underperforming products, he adds. However, the introduction of Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch enables wire and cable customers ‘to maximize productivity without paying a premium for unneeded functionality’, Paulo concludes. In other news, Dow Corning’s parent company Dow Chemical is investing in a new, state-of-the-art innovation centre in Midland, MI, USA, to support new R&D jobs aligned with US economic growth. The innovation centre will house approximately 200 scientists and engineers, comprising 100 newly created jobs and 100 jobs repatriated from other Dow facilities worldwide. It will be focused on combining existing chemistries with new technologies derived from the company’s recent ownership restructuring of Dow Corning’s Silicones business [ADPO, February 2016], as well as future technologies, the company says. The centre will concentrate R&D efforts on advancing technologies for home and personal care products, enhancing and broadening Dow’s energy-saving building technologies, advancing materials for critical infrastructure, and driving closer partnerships with automotive manufacturers as they pursue further efforts to light-weight automobiles and develop hybrid, electric and autonomous transportation solutions. Contact: Dow Corning Corp, Midland, MI, USA. Tel: +1 989 496 4400, Web: www.dowcorning.com
Clariant extends AddWorks range with solutions for automotive, agriculture & packaging…
S
wiss speciality chemicals firm Clariant has expanded its AddWorks® range with the introduction of a number of new additive solutions that support the evolving needs of major
Additives for Polymers
3
POLYMERS
ISSN 0306-3747 February 2017
www.additivesforpolymers.com
Brüggemann presents multiple new additives for polyamides and rubber
P
roducers of cast polyamides, polyamide compounds and rubbers are set to benefit from a series of new additives introduced by German speciality chemicals manufacturer BrüggemannChemical. According to the company, the new products are intended not only to extend the range of applications for these materials but also to contribute to greater cost efficiency during plastics conversion. New developments for anionically polymerized AP-Nylon® cast polyamides (that is, polyamides produced using Brüggemann’s AP-Nylon caprolactam) include heat stabilizer Brüggolen® TP-C1608, impact modifier Brüggolen TP-C 1312 and retarding activator Brüggolen C25. Described as a ‘particularly efficient’ heat stabilizer, Brüggolen TP-C1608 raises the long-term service temperature of cast polyamide parts from the previous limit of 120°C to a new high of 150°C, while also significantly reducing aging across the whole temperature range, Brüggemann claims. In extensive tests carried out at 150°C, cast nylon components containing the new stabilizer retained more than 50% of their tensile strength after 500 hours, the company reports. Brüggolen TP-C1608 can be added to existing AP-Nylon formulations, Brüggemann confirms. With the development of this stabilizer, Brüggemann says it is supporting the automotive-driven trend towards lightweight
construction and extending it to other industrial applications that are exposed to high-temperature conditions. Cast polyamide can thus replace heavy metal parts and even entire subassemblies, all of which benefit from its inherent excellent damping properties and high corrosion resistance and which now can also be subjected to increased temperatures, the company explains. Furthermore, AP-Nylon heatstabilized with Brüggolen TP-C1608 also extends the possible applications for prototype mouldings, it says. In cases where the basic toughness of AP-Nylon is inadequate and the very high impact strength of the company’s Nyrim polyamide 6 block copolymers exceeds requirements, the new Brüggolen TP-C 1312 impact modifier provides ‘the ideal solution’, Brüggemann claims. By varying the dosage of the additive and thus the elastomer content (between 3% and 20%), it makes it possible to adjust accurately the impact strength to the demands of the application, the company says. In this way, polymers modified with Brüggolen TP-C 1312 ‘bridge the gap’, in terms of cost and performance, between unmodified cast polyamides and Nyrim. Modification with the new additive also reduces the hardness of moulded parts to between 80 and 60 Shore D so that, for example, rollers can run more softly and thus more quietly, while with semi-finished products any tendency to fracture is Continued on page 2...
Contents MATERIALS Brüggemann presents multiple new additives for polyamides and rubber
1
Dow Corning launches silicone masterbatch for PE wire and cable applications 3 Clariant extends AddWorks range with solutions for automotive, agriculture & packaging…
3
… and unveils anti-counterfeiting and colour-matching partnerships
4
Wacker introduces additives for wood-plastic composites, bioplastics and more
5
Palsgaard reveals bio-based functional additives for polymers at K 2016
6
Gelest unveils coupling agent for light-cure acrylic nanocomposites 7
COMPANY STRATEGIES Solvay starts up South Korean HDS production; sells Neolor pigments business 7 Lehmann & Voss opens Chinese compounding and masterbatch facility 8 Croda inaugurates office in Iran
8
Holland Colours completes European laboratory upgrades
9
Ineos buys Resysta licence for renewable PVC filler
9
FINANCIALS Cabot posts improved income on lower sales in 4Q & full-year 2016
9
Lanxess reports strong income development in 3Q 2016; again raises full-year guidance 10
MARKETS Nucleating & clarifying agents market to reach US$4.45 billion by 2026
11
EVENTS CALENDAR
12
8
FOR
Visit us today at: www.additivesforpolymers.com
ISSN 0306-3747/17 © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by Elsevier Ltd, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use: Photocopying Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit educational classroom use.
MATERIALS
...Continued from front page reduced during machining, Brüggemann reports. All applications benefit from virtually streak-free mouldings because of the very homogeneous dispersion of the elastomer phase in the AP-Nylon matrix, it adds. Retarding activator Brüggolen C25 is claimed to slow down the polymerization process of AP-Nylon in a more controlled manner than was previously possible with the company’s standard grade Brüggolen C20P; whereas the transition time from liquid to solid phase with the standard is between 1 and 5 min, times of 2 to 10 min can be attained with Brüggolen C25, according to Brüggemann. This facilitates the casting of parts with large dimensions, small wall thicknesses or complex geometries, as well as simplifying the manufacture of high-grade, two-dimensional, glass or fabric-reinforced composites, the company says. Furthermore, the new activator allows parts to be filled more slowly during the product development phase in order to study and optimize the processes, it reports. As far as processing is concerned, the additive does not require any change to the temperatures of the polymer and mould. The mechanical properties of the resulting polymers are similar, although Brüggolen C25 is characterized by a slightly yellowish colour, Brüggemann says. A new flow enhancer, Brüggolen TP-P1507, is claimed to ‘significantly increase’ the flowability of glass-filled polyamides while maintaining a ‘very good mechanical property profile’. Especially at high glass fibre levels, this allows ‘highly improved’ processability along with very good tensile strength, stiffness and toughness, facilitating the production of technical parts via extrusion and injection moulding, the company reports. The easy flow properties obtained with Brüggolen TP-P1507 permit reduced injection moulding pressures and temperatures, shortening cycle times and lowering energy consumption, Brüggemann says. It also makes more-complex design geometries possible. New nucleating agent Brüggolen TP-P1401 is nonvolatile and stable at high processing temperatures. Its use ensures ‘effective nucleation and very fast crystallization’ of polyamides and supports the formation of a morphology with very small, homogeneously distributed spherulites, Brüggemann explains. This improves mechanical properties and significantly enhances the surface appearance of reinforced polyamides even with high glass fibre contents, facilitating the substitution of metals in visible areas, it suggests. The higher crystallization temperature allows earlier demoulding and thus enables shorter cycle times, the company adds.
2
Additives for Polymers
Both Brüggolen TP-P1507 and Brüggolen TP-P1401 additives are dust-free polymer granules that can be accurately metered, according to Brüggemann. They disperse very easily in the polyamide matrix making them ideal for compounding, it says. Materials produced with these processing aids can be injection moulded as normal. Brüggolen TP-P1401 can also be added directly into an injection moulding machine, the company reports. In addition to processing aids, Brüggemann has also introduced an additive that assists the recycling of polyamide scrap to high-quality, injection moulding grade material. Brüggolen TP-M1417 enables a controlled shortening of molecular chains in high-viscosity polyamide scrap from, for example, fibre production. While retaining mechanical properties, this additive allows ‘defined and reproducible’ adjustment of target viscosities and can result in material suitable for injection moulding with flow properties and mechanical performance comparable to that of virgin material, the company reports. To serve the rubber industry, Brüggemann’s Industrial Chemicals division has developed new zinc oxide (ZnO) activators as well as recently opening a dedicated Technical Centre. The new range of ZnO PRO vulcanization accelerators reportedly combines ‘previously unattained’ cost efficiency with ‘high effectiveness and increased sustainability’. The products, which are produced by a wet chemical process, combine the latest findings in rubber compounding with lower costs and reduced heavy metal content, the company comments. At the same time, they allow the direct substitution of conventional thermal ZnO without the need to modify the formulation or make compromises on performance, it claims. ZnO PRO is suitable for the entire application range for sulphur-vulcanizable rubber, from technical parts and consumer goods to tyres, Brüggemann reports. The new range initially comprises three readily dispersible accelerators: A250 (the lowest-priced grade), R260 and A280. All three result in vulcanizates with a high crosslinking density and uniform mechanical properties, according to the company. As regards the attainable vulcanization level, A250 approximately equates to the existing industry standard Red Seal but with considerably lower costs, while the other two are significantly more effective than Red Seal despite their favourable price, Brüggemann claims. Heavy metal contents in the end product range from below 1.0% with A280 and R260 (1.6% for Red Seal) to less than 0.6% with the A250 type. In related news, Brüggemann recently opened a new, fully equipped Technical Centre for determining the processing,
February 2017
MATERIALS
vulcanizing and performance properties of elastomers. A major role will be in the tailor-made, application-oriented optimization and synthesis of zinc-based activators, such as the ZnO PRO series, for in-house developments and on the customer’s behalf, it says. According to the company, this move underlines ‘its outstanding R&D competence’ as an additive manufacturer to the rubber industry. Contact: BrüggemannChemical, L. Brüggemann KG, Heilbronn, Germany. Tel: +49 71 31 15750, Web: www.brueggemann.com
MATERIALS Dow Corning launches silicone masterbatch for PE wire and cable applications
T
he latest offering from Dow Corning is a new, advanced silicone technology specifically designed to optimize the processability of highly mineral-filled polyethylene (PE) compounds for wire and cable applications. The company claims that Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch is the first in the industry to combine ‘best-in-class’ processing with an affordable cost. By reducing screw torque, die build-up and die pressure, the new product can improve extrusion throughput by up to 110% compared to PE compounds without a processing additive, the Dow Chemical subsidiary reports. According to the company, Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch raises the throughput of PE compounds with high mineral loadings (up to 70% by weight) by reducing screw torque by as much as 30%. In turn, lower torque accelerates production and cuts energy costs, it comments. Use of the silicone masterbatch also decreases the frequency of interruptions for cleaning as it reduces die build-up and die pressure, Dow Corning says. By narrowly targeting processability issues instead of including extra functionality, the new masterbatch achieves ‘outstanding results’ at a competitive price, the company claims. Further enhancing its cost-effectiveness, the new product is ‘highly efficient’ at lower loadings (0.5–1.0%), outperforming competitive silicone-based additives, Dow Corning reports.
February 2017
Supplied globally in the form of free-flowing pellets, Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch is compatible with low-density PE (LDPE), linear low-density PE (LLDPE) and crosslinked PE (XLPE). ‘The wire and cable industry is moving toward the use of halogen-free flame retardants but these mineral additives can cause major processing issues due to the high loadings that are required for effectiveness’, explains Christophe Paulo, global segment leader, Plastics & Composites for Dow Corning. Until now, customers were forced to choose between expensive, over-engineered additives with higher performance, or low-cost but underperforming products, he adds. However, the introduction of Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch enables wire and cable customers ‘to maximize productivity without paying a premium for unneeded functionality’, Paulo concludes. In other news, Dow Corning’s parent company Dow Chemical is investing in a new, state-of-the-art innovation centre in Midland, MI, USA, to support new R&D jobs aligned with US economic growth. The innovation centre will house approximately 200 scientists and engineers, comprising 100 newly created jobs and 100 jobs repatriated from other Dow facilities worldwide. It will be focused on combining existing chemistries with new technologies derived from the company’s recent ownership restructuring of Dow Corning’s Silicones business [ADPO, February 2016], as well as future technologies, the company says. The centre will concentrate R&D efforts on advancing technologies for home and personal care products, enhancing and broadening Dow’s energy-saving building technologies, advancing materials for critical infrastructure, and driving closer partnerships with automotive manufacturers as they pursue further efforts to light-weight automobiles and develop hybrid, electric and autonomous transportation solutions. Contact: Dow Corning Corp, Midland, MI, USA. Tel: +1 989 496 4400, Web: www.dowcorning.com
Clariant extends AddWorks range with solutions for automotive, agriculture & packaging…
S
wiss speciality chemicals firm Clariant has expanded its AddWorks® range with the introduction of a number of new additive solutions that support the evolving needs of major
Additives for Polymers
3