Hyperion’s carbon nanotube masterbatches

F O C U S Hyperion’s carbon nanotube masterbatches Hyperion Catalysis International Inc (of Cambridge, MA) has introduced Fibril, a line of carbon nanotube masterbatches. These compounds are based on nylon-12, polystyrene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide and PEEK. They contain no sulfur and are described as “chemically clean and non-reactive, with higher regrind stability then conventional conductive additives.” Fibril masterbatches will be particularly suitable for automotive underhood, aerospace, business machine, cleanroom and electronic applications. Modern Plastics International, Jun 2002, 32 (6), 83

Merck extends Xirona range of colourvariable pigments Merck (of Darmstadt, Germany) and its US affiliate, Rona Merck (of Hawthorne, NJ) have extended the range of Xirona colour-variable pigments for cosmetics applications. Xirona Indian Summer, which changes colour from red-gold to bronze to green-gold, is based on silica flakes coated with iron oxide. Xirona Magic Mauve, which changes from lilac-red to silver to green-blue, is based on silica flakes coated with titanium dioxide and tin oxide. Xirona Silver is based on rutile-type TiO2 coated with alumina flakes. SPC, Soap Perfumery and Cosmetics, Jun 2002, 75 (6), 53 & HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jul 2002, 39 (7), 160

Millennium’s new TiO2 grades for paints & plastics Millennium Chemicals recently launched Tiona 188, a blue tone pigment, developed for use in white and tinted masterbatches and compounds, especially in the manufacture of high-temperature plastic films. This pigment offers very good dispersion at high loadings, excellent opacity, brightness and tinting strength. Another new pigment for the plastics industry – Tiona 696 – offers maximum exterior durability, colour retention, gloss retention and highest possible opacity. This pigment is suitable for agricultural film as well as for PVC and polyolefin furniture, tanks

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and pipe for exterior applications. Tiona 696 is also ideal for PVC window and door profiles, siding, decking and fencing. For paintmakers, Tiona 595 is described as an “enhanced TiO2 pigment for a range of challenging coating system applications.” It imparts superior tint strength and opacity, as well as providing good durability performance, improved colour, higher millbase loadings and a relatively low dispersant requirement. APCJ, Asia Pacific Coatings Journal, Jun 2002, 15 (3), 32 & Modern Plastics International, Sep 2002, 32 (9), 29

Mitsubishi prolongs the life of lightemitting pigments In collaboration with a team from Osaka University, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp has developed a thin-film material, made from a conducting polymer combined with palladium, which can reduce the power consumption of an organic electroluminescent display by 20%. Because the new material leads to lower voltage light being emitted, the light-emitting pigments do not degrade so quickly as normal; hence this concept might also help to prolong the lifespan of the displays. Nikkei Net, 9 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/)

Moly-White’s anti-corrosion pigments Moly-White Pigments has launched two new anti-corrosion pigments: Moly-White Zinc Phosphate and MolyWhite CZM. Both products exhibit cost-effective performance in many solvent- and water-borne coating applications. Paint & Coatings Industry (PCI), Jun 2002, 18 (6), 96

Nubiola’s new zinc ferrite & low-sulfur ultramarine pigments Nubiola (of Barcelona) has extended its range of zinc ferrite pigments to include a line of bright ochre and faded beige pigments marketed under the Nubiterm Y brandname. They are thermally stable up to 300°C and have good light- and weather-fastness. They offer high opacity and have good dispersibility. Nubiterm Y905K has a yellowish hue, while Nubiterm Y805 has a dark reddish tone. They have

been specially formulated for use with engineering polymers, including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Nubiola also offers an improved ultramarine pigment, with a sulfur content reduced to 0.02% and a humidity content of less than 1.3%. The sieve residue is typically of the order of less than 0.05%. Modern Plastics International, Jun 2002, 32 (6), 91 & Sep 2002, 32 (9), 31

Riken develops sunscreen roofing film for vehicles Riken Technologies Corp has developed a new type of plastic film designed to cover the roofs of trucks, cars, buses, vans and trains. The plastic film incorporates ceramic spheres and pigments which reflect light away from the roof, thus keeping the interior cooler by up to 10°C and reducing the need for air conditioning. The widespread use of this concept could reduce fuel costs during the four months of the Japanese summer by as much as Yen 1000 per vehicle, while decreasing carbon dioxide output by as much as 40 kilos. Nikkei Net, 16 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/)

ShinEtsu incorporates ethoxysilicones to improve cosmetic pigments ShinEtsu Silicones is introducing a range of new cosmetic pigments which contain reactive modified ethoxysilicones, which help to give a smooth, silky feel to the pigments, as well as making them hydrophobic and non-agglomerative. Ethoxysilicones also enhance dispersibility and reduce the surface activity of the powdery pigment base. Parfums, Cosmetiques, Actualites, Jun-Jul 2002, (165), 64 (in French)

Wegain’s anti-corrosion pigment, based on micaceous iron oxide Wegain has added Euro-Mica SG to its range of anti-corrosion pigments. The new product is based on micaceous iron oxide and can be used in conjunction with other Wegain pigments based on zinc phosphate, zinc chromate or zinc tetroxychromate. PPCJ, Polymers, Paint, Colour Journal, Jul 2002, 192 (4454), 33

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