- Email: [email protected]
Nylon stabilizer introduces ‘molecular recognition’
April 1999
Additives for Polymers
MATERIALS Nylon stabilizer introduces ‘molecular recognition’ Additives that can recognize and lock up sites in a polymer backbone, giving better and more permanent properties, are the vision of the future conjured up by Clariant. Borrowing from biotechnology, the company is applying to the manufacture of additives a technology known as ‘molecular recognition technology’. The first result to be commercialized is what is described as a unique, multi-functional additive that has been tailored to make it compatible with polyamides, (and which Clariant claims is the most important development in stabilizers, ever). Called Nylostab SEED - for Stable, Economical, Ecological, Deep dyeing - it has a unique molecular structure producing a highly compatible and permanent additive that locks up sites along the polymer backbone, thereby changing its physical and chemical properties. The stabilizer in question provides greater stability for polyamides, beyond the limits of conventional hindered amines (HALS) and other systems, but Clariant expects that the same technology will enable it to produce a whole new generation of additives, tailored specifically for various condensation polymers, and offering performance better than that of existing additives. For a polyamide molecule, Nylostab SEED acts as a process stabilizer, and its main benefit is seen in constant melt pressures giving moulded and extruded articles of higher, quality. The affinity for acid dyes, both pre-metallized and metal-free, is improved and there is said to be no limit on the colourants that can be used in polyamides containing the stabilizer. It also produces a higher gloss, with no discolouration, better rheology and improved thermal stability. With the addition of an oxalanilide W absorber, a compound with better weathering can also be produced. Contact: Clariant International Ltd, Rothausstrasse 61, CH-4132 Muttenz 1, Switzerland: tel: 141-61 469 6969; fax: +41-61 469 6999
2
Polypropylene compound uses less talc, performs better A polypropylene compound for the automotive sector, using 12% talc, and so offering a 7% weight-saving over conventional compounds reinforced with 25%, has been introduced by Elf Atochem. Previously, PP manufacturers have used relatively heavy loadings of talc to achieve good rigidity, but have had to pay a penalty in difficulty of moulding and also in appearance of the part, as scratches tended to show up. Elf Atochem, however, claims it has achieved the right compromise between rigidity and fluidity for moulding of large intricate components, such as automobile dashboards. The lower talc content also gives better resistance to scratching. Contact: ElfAtochem, Cedex 42, 92091 ParisLa-Dkfense, France; tel: +33-l 49 00 8018; fax: +33-l 49 00 8050
New additive helps laminates stay damage-free in transit A new additive for laminates that eliminates unsightly surface abrasions often caused in shipping and handling has been introduced by Axe1 Research Laboratories under the name INT2EDS. It is particularly effective for dark solid or multi-coloured hues. It uses the company’s MoldWiz internal cant, which is incorporated in the resin improvements in resin flow and wet-out, eliminating dry spots and micro-porosity surfaces of sheet laminates. Release and appearance are also improved.
lubrigiving while in the overall
Contact: Axe1 Plastics Research Laboratories Inc, Box 77 0855, Woodside, NY 11377, USA; tel: +I-718 672 8300; fax: +I-718 565 7447
EQUIPMENT Portable instrument monitors workplace exposure Claimed to be the only portable instrument in the world capable of measuring benzene and 1.3
0 1999 Elsevier Science
Additives for Polymers
MATERIALS Nylon stabilizer introduces ‘molecular recognition’ Additives that can recognize and lock up sites in a polymer backbone, giving better and more permanent properties, are the vision of the future conjured up by Clariant. Borrowing from biotechnology, the company is applying to the manufacture of additives a technology known as ‘molecular recognition technology’. The first result to be commercialized is what is described as a unique, multi-functional additive that has been tailored to make it compatible with polyamides, (and which Clariant claims is the most important development in stabilizers, ever). Called Nylostab SEED - for Stable, Economical, Ecological, Deep dyeing - it has a unique molecular structure producing a highly compatible and permanent additive that locks up sites along the polymer backbone, thereby changing its physical and chemical properties. The stabilizer in question provides greater stability for polyamides, beyond the limits of conventional hindered amines (HALS) and other systems, but Clariant expects that the same technology will enable it to produce a whole new generation of additives, tailored specifically for various condensation polymers, and offering performance better than that of existing additives. For a polyamide molecule, Nylostab SEED acts as a process stabilizer, and its main benefit is seen in constant melt pressures giving moulded and extruded articles of higher, quality. The affinity for acid dyes, both pre-metallized and metal-free, is improved and there is said to be no limit on the colourants that can be used in polyamides containing the stabilizer. It also produces a higher gloss, with no discolouration, better rheology and improved thermal stability. With the addition of an oxalanilide W absorber, a compound with better weathering can also be produced. Contact: Clariant International Ltd, Rothausstrasse 61, CH-4132 Muttenz 1, Switzerland: tel: 141-61 469 6969; fax: +41-61 469 6999
2
Polypropylene compound uses less talc, performs better A polypropylene compound for the automotive sector, using 12% talc, and so offering a 7% weight-saving over conventional compounds reinforced with 25%, has been introduced by Elf Atochem. Previously, PP manufacturers have used relatively heavy loadings of talc to achieve good rigidity, but have had to pay a penalty in difficulty of moulding and also in appearance of the part, as scratches tended to show up. Elf Atochem, however, claims it has achieved the right compromise between rigidity and fluidity for moulding of large intricate components, such as automobile dashboards. The lower talc content also gives better resistance to scratching. Contact: ElfAtochem, Cedex 42, 92091 ParisLa-Dkfense, France; tel: +33-l 49 00 8018; fax: +33-l 49 00 8050
New additive helps laminates stay damage-free in transit A new additive for laminates that eliminates unsightly surface abrasions often caused in shipping and handling has been introduced by Axe1 Research Laboratories under the name INT2EDS. It is particularly effective for dark solid or multi-coloured hues. It uses the company’s MoldWiz internal cant, which is incorporated in the resin improvements in resin flow and wet-out, eliminating dry spots and micro-porosity surfaces of sheet laminates. Release and appearance are also improved.
lubrigiving while in the overall
Contact: Axe1 Plastics Research Laboratories Inc, Box 77 0855, Woodside, NY 11377, USA; tel: +I-718 672 8300; fax: +I-718 565 7447
EQUIPMENT Portable instrument monitors workplace exposure Claimed to be the only portable instrument in the world capable of measuring benzene and 1.3
0 1999 Elsevier Science