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Tosaf presents a new range of flame retardant masterbatches for corrugated pipes
MATERIALS
tions that brings toughness, elongation and plastification without migration or compromising clarity, according to the company [ADPO, December 2012]. I6003rp represents an extension of the product line, it says. With this process aid, the company continues to ‘drive advancements in the use of performance biopolymers’ for PVC manufacturing by ‘harnessing the power of its innovative PHA-technology platform’, Metabolix says. The company presented I6003rp at the K 2013 event in Düsseldorf, where it also exhibited its I6001 PVC modifier and a number of additional bio-based masterbatch and bio-composite resin products. Contact: Metabolix Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA. Tel: +1 617 583 1700, Web: www.metabolix.com
AkzoNobel extends antifog and antistat ranges
N
etherlands-based AkzoNobel has introduced the first in a planned new range of antifog additives for applications in food packaging and agricultural films. The company has also expanded its range of antistatic offerings with a high concentrate form of its existing vegetable-based Armostat® 1800 additive. New antifog agent Armofog® 151 is reported to improve the hot and cold fog performance of polyethylene and EVA food packaging films, enhancing the appeal and shelf life of the packaged product. AkzoNobel has also developed a high-performance concentrate of the new additive called Armofog 151-XE35 – a free-flowing granular product containing 35% of the active antifog agent. The concentrate can be dosed directly to the extruder, the company says. ‘Customers demand easyto-use antifog additives that save operational time and costs’, explains Haimo Tonnaer, business development manager for AkzoNobel’s Polymer Additives business. Armofog 151-XE35 ‘goes beyond’ standard antifog additives, he claims. ‘This high-performance concentrate allows for easy handling and dosing while offering all the advantages of pure Armofog 151’, he adds. According to AkzoNobel, the introduction of Armofog 151, including the high-performance concentrate, strengthens its position as ‘one of the world’s leading suppliers’ of speciality polymer additive solutions. And the company will continue its ‘journey in antifogging’, Tonnaer says: ‘We are
December 2013
committed to bridging the gap between traditional antifog additives and our customers’ needs for easy-to-use products that improve the antifog performance of their films’. In particular, the company highlights the need for new antifog additives to combat the ‘fundamental problem’ that exists with traditional agricultural films. Current antifog performance ‘is not durable enough’, it says. In response to market needs for cost-effective, vegetablebased antistatic additives for polypropylene (PP) film and rigid packaging applications, AkzoNobel has also unveiled Armostat 1800-XP75, an easy-to-use high-dose concentrate of its Armostat 1800 antistatic agent. Armostat 1800 provides an alternative to the animal-based additives that are typically used to counter problems related to the build-up of electric charges on plastic materials, the company says. Armostat 1800-XP75 contains 75% Armostat 1800 on PP. The free-flowing granules can be dosed easily to the extruder without requiring any investments, according to AkzoNobel. Contact: AkzoNobel NV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 33 467 6767, Web: www.akzonobel.com/polymeradditives
Tosaf presents a new range of flame retardant masterbatches for corrugated pipes
I
srael’s additives, masterbatches and compounding firm Tosaf Compounds has launched a new line of ‘green’ masterbatch products optimized for the production of corrugated pipes to be used as conductors for electrical cables in construction. Such conductors have to meet the European Flame Retardant (FR) Standard IEC 61386-1. In the past, efficient and low-cost chlorinated paraffins had been the additives of choice to achieve this purpose but these chemicals have come under attack from two recent important regulations, Tosaf explains. Firstly, the REACH regulation has banned the use of short-chain chloroparaffins as they have been classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). At the same time, increasing numbers of pipe producers are trying to make their products comply with the Low Smoke Zero Halogen regulation (LS0H; IEC 607541), the company says. After intensive research, Tosaf has recently introduced a new range of flame retardant masterbatch products, all of
Additives for Polymers
5
STRATEGIES
which meet the LS0H norm for standard corrugated pipes while avoiding the use of chlorinated additives, it reports. In addition, all products provide high efficiency to reduce dosing requirements and incur ‘no additional costs for the pipe producer’, Tosaf claims. According to the company, the new masterbatch range represents ‘the most advanced and cost-effective products’ on the market for this application. They are available without coloration (natural), or in a variety of colours, according to customer preference. The company also recently expanded its facility in Afula, Israel for product development and customer test runs. The new film lab has a range of test and simulation devices including a multilayer co-extrusion blown film line, a cast film line, a corona surface treatment system and a printing simulator. A cold chamber can be used for developing additives for cold climates, and greenhouse simulation is also possible for accelerated testing of agricultural films exposed to UV light, high temperatures and humidity. Tosaf has also installed a modified QUV system for accelerated weathering in aggressive environments. ‘We can now test products by simulating both harsh environments and all of the major film packaging production steps commonly used in the food and non-food industries’, says Tosaf development manager Yafit Moyal. Tosaf is a joint venture between Megides Holding and the Ravago Group. It has ten production sites in Israel, Turkey, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Ukraine, with a total capacity of 120 000 tonnes and 800 employees. Its product range includes additives such as UV/light stabilizers, flame retardants and customized additives for applications including BOPP, agricultural, packaging and industrial films, polycarbonate sheets, pipes, foams and other products; and colour masterbatches for a wide range of applications. The company expects its turnover to exceed E300 million in 2013. Contact: Tosaf Compounds Ltd, Afula, Israel. Tel: +972 9 8984673, Web: www.tosaf.com
Americhem unveils unique softening agent for nonwovens
O
hio-based polymer additive and masterbatch supplier Americhem Inc has introduced a ‘first-of-its-kind’ softening agent for the nonwoven industry. Described by the company as a ‘breakthrough’ product, the mBrace™
6
Additives for Polymers
softening additive was unveiled at the 2013 RISE Conference in Denver, CO, USA. According to Americhem, mBrace is a novel softening technology that can be combined with colour and other additives to provide a cost-effective, multi-attribute masterbatch. mBrace offers ‘superior softness compared to its nearest competitive product’, as confirmed by ‘subjective testing’, the company claims. The additive also delivers ease of use and ‘outstanding processability’, it reports. In addition, mBrace is customizable, allowing nonwoven producers to set their desired softness levels, Americhem explains. ‘There has been an on-going need for a globally available softening additive specifically designed for nonwovens, and Americhem is thrilled to offer a cost-effective solution to our customers’, says Robert Baldy, nonwovens market manager, Americhem. The new softening additive is said to be ideal for any nonwoven application where softness is desired, including health and hygiene products, apparel, medical products, battings and backings, packaging and upholstery. Contact: Americhem, Inc, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA. Tel: +1 330 929 4213, Web: www.americhem.com/nonwovens
COMPANY STRATEGIES DuPont intends to spin off titanium dioxide and other performance chemicals
U
S chemicals giant DuPont is to execute a full separation of its Performance Chemicals segment, which comprises the Titanium Technologies and Chemicals & Fluoroproducts businesses, via a tax-free spin-off to shareholders. The separation is expected to be completed in about 18 months, subject to customary closing conditions. 100% of the new public entity will be owned by DuPont shareholders. DuPont has carried out a ‘thorough strategic review’ over the past year, and the spin-off of Performance Chemicals emerged as ‘clearly the best option to deliver enhanced value’ for shareholders, reveals chair and CEO Ellen Kullman. The separation will advance the transformation of DuPont into a highergrowth, higher-value company, and result in two strong, highly
December 2013
tions that brings toughness, elongation and plastification without migration or compromising clarity, according to the company [ADPO, December 2012]. I6003rp represents an extension of the product line, it says. With this process aid, the company continues to ‘drive advancements in the use of performance biopolymers’ for PVC manufacturing by ‘harnessing the power of its innovative PHA-technology platform’, Metabolix says. The company presented I6003rp at the K 2013 event in Düsseldorf, where it also exhibited its I6001 PVC modifier and a number of additional bio-based masterbatch and bio-composite resin products. Contact: Metabolix Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA. Tel: +1 617 583 1700, Web: www.metabolix.com
AkzoNobel extends antifog and antistat ranges
N
etherlands-based AkzoNobel has introduced the first in a planned new range of antifog additives for applications in food packaging and agricultural films. The company has also expanded its range of antistatic offerings with a high concentrate form of its existing vegetable-based Armostat® 1800 additive. New antifog agent Armofog® 151 is reported to improve the hot and cold fog performance of polyethylene and EVA food packaging films, enhancing the appeal and shelf life of the packaged product. AkzoNobel has also developed a high-performance concentrate of the new additive called Armofog 151-XE35 – a free-flowing granular product containing 35% of the active antifog agent. The concentrate can be dosed directly to the extruder, the company says. ‘Customers demand easyto-use antifog additives that save operational time and costs’, explains Haimo Tonnaer, business development manager for AkzoNobel’s Polymer Additives business. Armofog 151-XE35 ‘goes beyond’ standard antifog additives, he claims. ‘This high-performance concentrate allows for easy handling and dosing while offering all the advantages of pure Armofog 151’, he adds. According to AkzoNobel, the introduction of Armofog 151, including the high-performance concentrate, strengthens its position as ‘one of the world’s leading suppliers’ of speciality polymer additive solutions. And the company will continue its ‘journey in antifogging’, Tonnaer says: ‘We are
December 2013
committed to bridging the gap between traditional antifog additives and our customers’ needs for easy-to-use products that improve the antifog performance of their films’. In particular, the company highlights the need for new antifog additives to combat the ‘fundamental problem’ that exists with traditional agricultural films. Current antifog performance ‘is not durable enough’, it says. In response to market needs for cost-effective, vegetablebased antistatic additives for polypropylene (PP) film and rigid packaging applications, AkzoNobel has also unveiled Armostat 1800-XP75, an easy-to-use high-dose concentrate of its Armostat 1800 antistatic agent. Armostat 1800 provides an alternative to the animal-based additives that are typically used to counter problems related to the build-up of electric charges on plastic materials, the company says. Armostat 1800-XP75 contains 75% Armostat 1800 on PP. The free-flowing granules can be dosed easily to the extruder without requiring any investments, according to AkzoNobel. Contact: AkzoNobel NV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 33 467 6767, Web: www.akzonobel.com/polymeradditives
Tosaf presents a new range of flame retardant masterbatches for corrugated pipes
I
srael’s additives, masterbatches and compounding firm Tosaf Compounds has launched a new line of ‘green’ masterbatch products optimized for the production of corrugated pipes to be used as conductors for electrical cables in construction. Such conductors have to meet the European Flame Retardant (FR) Standard IEC 61386-1. In the past, efficient and low-cost chlorinated paraffins had been the additives of choice to achieve this purpose but these chemicals have come under attack from two recent important regulations, Tosaf explains. Firstly, the REACH regulation has banned the use of short-chain chloroparaffins as they have been classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). At the same time, increasing numbers of pipe producers are trying to make their products comply with the Low Smoke Zero Halogen regulation (LS0H; IEC 607541), the company says. After intensive research, Tosaf has recently introduced a new range of flame retardant masterbatch products, all of
Additives for Polymers
5
STRATEGIES
which meet the LS0H norm for standard corrugated pipes while avoiding the use of chlorinated additives, it reports. In addition, all products provide high efficiency to reduce dosing requirements and incur ‘no additional costs for the pipe producer’, Tosaf claims. According to the company, the new masterbatch range represents ‘the most advanced and cost-effective products’ on the market for this application. They are available without coloration (natural), or in a variety of colours, according to customer preference. The company also recently expanded its facility in Afula, Israel for product development and customer test runs. The new film lab has a range of test and simulation devices including a multilayer co-extrusion blown film line, a cast film line, a corona surface treatment system and a printing simulator. A cold chamber can be used for developing additives for cold climates, and greenhouse simulation is also possible for accelerated testing of agricultural films exposed to UV light, high temperatures and humidity. Tosaf has also installed a modified QUV system for accelerated weathering in aggressive environments. ‘We can now test products by simulating both harsh environments and all of the major film packaging production steps commonly used in the food and non-food industries’, says Tosaf development manager Yafit Moyal. Tosaf is a joint venture between Megides Holding and the Ravago Group. It has ten production sites in Israel, Turkey, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Ukraine, with a total capacity of 120 000 tonnes and 800 employees. Its product range includes additives such as UV/light stabilizers, flame retardants and customized additives for applications including BOPP, agricultural, packaging and industrial films, polycarbonate sheets, pipes, foams and other products; and colour masterbatches for a wide range of applications. The company expects its turnover to exceed E300 million in 2013. Contact: Tosaf Compounds Ltd, Afula, Israel. Tel: +972 9 8984673, Web: www.tosaf.com
Americhem unveils unique softening agent for nonwovens
O
hio-based polymer additive and masterbatch supplier Americhem Inc has introduced a ‘first-of-its-kind’ softening agent for the nonwoven industry. Described by the company as a ‘breakthrough’ product, the mBrace™
6
Additives for Polymers
softening additive was unveiled at the 2013 RISE Conference in Denver, CO, USA. According to Americhem, mBrace is a novel softening technology that can be combined with colour and other additives to provide a cost-effective, multi-attribute masterbatch. mBrace offers ‘superior softness compared to its nearest competitive product’, as confirmed by ‘subjective testing’, the company claims. The additive also delivers ease of use and ‘outstanding processability’, it reports. In addition, mBrace is customizable, allowing nonwoven producers to set their desired softness levels, Americhem explains. ‘There has been an on-going need for a globally available softening additive specifically designed for nonwovens, and Americhem is thrilled to offer a cost-effective solution to our customers’, says Robert Baldy, nonwovens market manager, Americhem. The new softening additive is said to be ideal for any nonwoven application where softness is desired, including health and hygiene products, apparel, medical products, battings and backings, packaging and upholstery. Contact: Americhem, Inc, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA. Tel: +1 330 929 4213, Web: www.americhem.com/nonwovens
COMPANY STRATEGIES DuPont intends to spin off titanium dioxide and other performance chemicals
U
S chemicals giant DuPont is to execute a full separation of its Performance Chemicals segment, which comprises the Titanium Technologies and Chemicals & Fluoroproducts businesses, via a tax-free spin-off to shareholders. The separation is expected to be completed in about 18 months, subject to customary closing conditions. 100% of the new public entity will be owned by DuPont shareholders. DuPont has carried out a ‘thorough strategic review’ over the past year, and the spin-off of Performance Chemicals emerged as ‘clearly the best option to deliver enhanced value’ for shareholders, reveals chair and CEO Ellen Kullman. The separation will advance the transformation of DuPont into a highergrowth, higher-value company, and result in two strong, highly
December 2013