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Venator launches low-moisture TiO2 pigment for demanding processing conditions at K 2019
additives
FOR
POLYMERS
ISSN 0306-3747 December 2019
www.additivesforpolymers.com
Venator launches low-moisture TiO2 pigment for demanding processing conditions at K 2019
P
igments and additives manufacturer Venator has introduced new titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment Tioxide TR29, described by the company as its highest-performing white pigment for lowmoisture applications and demanding processing conditions. The new product combines ultra-low moisture content with excellent dispersion properties and a high packing fraction, and is intended for use in the manufacture of highly technical thin films and in engineering polymers where moisture sensitivity is a consideration, Venator reports. Launched at K 2019, the triennial trade exhibition for the plastics and rubber industries, Tioxide TR29 is manufactured using a carefully modified and controlled process, the company reveals. The new pigment can be used to create masterbatches with a very high TiO2 loading, while maintaining a high throughput rate and a low specific energy requirement, offering the potential to reduce production and transportation costs compared to multipurpose masterbatch grades, according to Venator. In the manufacture of technical multilayer films, the low moisture content of Tioxide TR29 enables converters to produce thinner films with a reduced risk of lacing, the company claims. This will enable the manufacture of high-quality packaging materials that are less likely to fail from lower raw material utilization,
thus helping to reduce plastic waste, it adds. When integrated into moisturesensitive engineering polymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate, the new pigment can provide whitening properties without causing moisture- or volatile-induced failure, Venator reports. Potential applications for Tioxide TR29 include earphones, smartphone shells, ski masks and air conditioning units. The company also used the K show to showcase other products from its portfolio of white and coloured pigments and performance additives. Among those highlighted was the Sachtolith range of zinc sulfide-based, soft, white pigments. With low hardness compared to TiO2, these pigments are used in certain niche applications such as in the production of glass fibre reinforced plastics and as metal deactivators in white cable and wire compounds. A recent addition to the range is Sachtolith TC, which is designed to improve the thermal conductivity of polymer systems without increasing electrical conductivity. According to Venator, the additive is an ‘ideal filler’ for plastics used in applications where a moderate amount of heat is created, enabling the heat to dissipate quickly and efficiently. Sachtolith TC is compatible with polycarbonate, ABS, Teflon and other resins, and applications include heat sinks for LED lighting systems, and components and housings for consumer electronic devices. Continued on page 2...
Contents MATERIALS Venator launches low-moisture TiO2 pigment for demanding processing conditions at K 2019
1
Ampacet presents halogen-free flame retardant masterbatch
2
BYK extends high-performance additives range with lightweight filler and synergist
3
Clariant introduces oxygen scavenger additive masterbatch for PET packaging… 3 …and debuts bio-based additives and circular economy initiatives at K 2019 4 Cabot unveils sustainable black masterbatches and advanced carbons at K 2019
6
FRX Polymers’ Nofia flame retardants gain applications in PC/polyester blends 6
COMPANY STRATEGIES Chroma Color completes upgrade of Leominster plant
7
Penn Color opens expanded Dutch facilities for PVC and engineering plastics masterbatches
8
Arkema plans to divest its functional polyolefins business to SK Global Chemical 8 Merck expands and modernizes production for effect pigments
9
Emery Oleochemicals extends technical development centre for polymer additives
9
FINANCIALS Holland Colours posts top- and bottom-line growth in 1H fiscal 2019/2020 9 Clariant’s third quarter 2019 results demonstrate ‘resilience’
10
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES European Commission to classify powdered TiO2 as a suspected carcinogen 11
EVENTS CALENDAR
12
ISSN 0306-3747/19 © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This publication 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 In other news, Venator reported revenues of US$526 million in the third quarter of 2019, down 1.3% from revenues of $533 million a year earlier. The net loss attributable to the company in 3Q 2019 was $19 million (-$368 million in 3Q 2018), adjusted net income $8 million ($34 million) and adjusted EBITDA $50 million ($77 million). The Titanium Dioxide segment achieved revenues of $396 million in the three months to 30 September 2019, an increase of 2% compared to revenues of $389 million in 3Q 2018. Sales volumes in the 2019 quarter increased by 12% year on year, partially offset by a 7% decline in the average TiO2 selling price, a 2% unfavourable exchange rate effect and a 1% unfavourable impact due to mix and other factors. The increase in sales volumes compared to 3Q 2018 was the result of higher sales of new products, increased product availability at certain manufacturing sites and increased demand, Venator reports. The decline in the average selling price was driven by lower global average functional TiO2 prices with regional variations. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA was $51 million in 3Q 2019, down 32% from $75 million a year earlier. This decline was primarily due to lower margins, offset in part by the higher TiO2 sales volumes and a $5 million benefit from the company’s 2019 Business Improvement Program. Venator also reported ‘substantial progress’ in the phased transfer of its speciality TiO2 products, a move aimed at boosting its position in these high-value applications. The company’s Performance Additives segment posted 3Q 2019 revenues of $130 million, a 10% decline from revenues of $144 million in the same period of 2018. An 8% decrease in sales volumes, a 2% unfavourable foreign currency translation impact and a 2% decline due to mix was partially offset by a 2% increase in the average selling price. The volume decline was largely due to lower sales into construction-related applications, softer demand in plastics and coatings, principally related to automotive and electronics end-use applications, and a discontinuation of sales of a timber treatment product to one customer, the company reports. Adjusted EBITDA in the Performance Additives segment was $13 million in 3Q 2019, up 8% from $12 million for the comparable period in 2018. Venator reveals that it is exploring the possible sale of its colour pigments business. More information: www.venatorcorp.com
2
Additives for Polymers
MATERIALS Ampacet presents halogen-free flame retardant masterbatch
M
asterbatch specialist Ampacet has introduced Halofree 709, a non-halogenated flame retardant masterbatch that is claimed to provide ‘outstanding flame retardancy’ in polyethylene (PE) films at low addition rates. The first in a planned new series of halogen-free flame retardants, it also complies with a range of health and safety and environmental protection regulations, the company says. The new halogen-free flame retardant masterbatch is rated ‘excellent’ under flammability testing classifications including B2 (DIN 4102), VTM-0 (UL 94) and Euroclass close equivalents, Ampacet reports. It also complies with human health and safety management regulations such as ISO 14001; environmental protection legislation including European Parliament and Council directives 94/62/EC (on packaging and packaging waste) and 2002/95/EC (restriction of hazardous substances; ROHS); REACH; and automotive norm VDA 232-101 (the Global Automotive Declarable Substance List), according to the company. Ampacet Halofree 709 can therefore provide a safe and effective alternative to conventional flame retardant agents containing bromine and antimony, which are toxic to the environment and hazardous to the health of humans and living organisms when products containing them burn or are recycled. Alongside its flame retardance attributes, Ampacet Halofree 709 also provides excellent optics and film clarity, the company reports. In addition, the product can be coloured by using it in combination with masterbatches from Ampacet’s colour portfolio. According to the company, the new flame retardant masterbatch is suitable for use in a broad range of flexible applications, including carpet backing, industrial packaging materials, ceiling insulation, and under-roof liners for houses, railway stations and stadiums. Ampacet also offers a range of copolymer-based, brominated flame retardant concentrates for use in a variety of resin systems. The products are non-blooming and demonstrate good thermal and UV stability, the company
December 2019
FOR
POLYMERS
ISSN 0306-3747 December 2019
www.additivesforpolymers.com
Venator launches low-moisture TiO2 pigment for demanding processing conditions at K 2019
P
igments and additives manufacturer Venator has introduced new titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment Tioxide TR29, described by the company as its highest-performing white pigment for lowmoisture applications and demanding processing conditions. The new product combines ultra-low moisture content with excellent dispersion properties and a high packing fraction, and is intended for use in the manufacture of highly technical thin films and in engineering polymers where moisture sensitivity is a consideration, Venator reports. Launched at K 2019, the triennial trade exhibition for the plastics and rubber industries, Tioxide TR29 is manufactured using a carefully modified and controlled process, the company reveals. The new pigment can be used to create masterbatches with a very high TiO2 loading, while maintaining a high throughput rate and a low specific energy requirement, offering the potential to reduce production and transportation costs compared to multipurpose masterbatch grades, according to Venator. In the manufacture of technical multilayer films, the low moisture content of Tioxide TR29 enables converters to produce thinner films with a reduced risk of lacing, the company claims. This will enable the manufacture of high-quality packaging materials that are less likely to fail from lower raw material utilization,
thus helping to reduce plastic waste, it adds. When integrated into moisturesensitive engineering polymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate, the new pigment can provide whitening properties without causing moisture- or volatile-induced failure, Venator reports. Potential applications for Tioxide TR29 include earphones, smartphone shells, ski masks and air conditioning units. The company also used the K show to showcase other products from its portfolio of white and coloured pigments and performance additives. Among those highlighted was the Sachtolith range of zinc sulfide-based, soft, white pigments. With low hardness compared to TiO2, these pigments are used in certain niche applications such as in the production of glass fibre reinforced plastics and as metal deactivators in white cable and wire compounds. A recent addition to the range is Sachtolith TC, which is designed to improve the thermal conductivity of polymer systems without increasing electrical conductivity. According to Venator, the additive is an ‘ideal filler’ for plastics used in applications where a moderate amount of heat is created, enabling the heat to dissipate quickly and efficiently. Sachtolith TC is compatible with polycarbonate, ABS, Teflon and other resins, and applications include heat sinks for LED lighting systems, and components and housings for consumer electronic devices. Continued on page 2...
Contents MATERIALS Venator launches low-moisture TiO2 pigment for demanding processing conditions at K 2019
1
Ampacet presents halogen-free flame retardant masterbatch
2
BYK extends high-performance additives range with lightweight filler and synergist
3
Clariant introduces oxygen scavenger additive masterbatch for PET packaging… 3 …and debuts bio-based additives and circular economy initiatives at K 2019 4 Cabot unveils sustainable black masterbatches and advanced carbons at K 2019
6
FRX Polymers’ Nofia flame retardants gain applications in PC/polyester blends 6
COMPANY STRATEGIES Chroma Color completes upgrade of Leominster plant
7
Penn Color opens expanded Dutch facilities for PVC and engineering plastics masterbatches
8
Arkema plans to divest its functional polyolefins business to SK Global Chemical 8 Merck expands and modernizes production for effect pigments
9
Emery Oleochemicals extends technical development centre for polymer additives
9
FINANCIALS Holland Colours posts top- and bottom-line growth in 1H fiscal 2019/2020 9 Clariant’s third quarter 2019 results demonstrate ‘resilience’
10
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES European Commission to classify powdered TiO2 as a suspected carcinogen 11
EVENTS CALENDAR
12
ISSN 0306-3747/19 © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This publication 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 In other news, Venator reported revenues of US$526 million in the third quarter of 2019, down 1.3% from revenues of $533 million a year earlier. The net loss attributable to the company in 3Q 2019 was $19 million (-$368 million in 3Q 2018), adjusted net income $8 million ($34 million) and adjusted EBITDA $50 million ($77 million). The Titanium Dioxide segment achieved revenues of $396 million in the three months to 30 September 2019, an increase of 2% compared to revenues of $389 million in 3Q 2018. Sales volumes in the 2019 quarter increased by 12% year on year, partially offset by a 7% decline in the average TiO2 selling price, a 2% unfavourable exchange rate effect and a 1% unfavourable impact due to mix and other factors. The increase in sales volumes compared to 3Q 2018 was the result of higher sales of new products, increased product availability at certain manufacturing sites and increased demand, Venator reports. The decline in the average selling price was driven by lower global average functional TiO2 prices with regional variations. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA was $51 million in 3Q 2019, down 32% from $75 million a year earlier. This decline was primarily due to lower margins, offset in part by the higher TiO2 sales volumes and a $5 million benefit from the company’s 2019 Business Improvement Program. Venator also reported ‘substantial progress’ in the phased transfer of its speciality TiO2 products, a move aimed at boosting its position in these high-value applications. The company’s Performance Additives segment posted 3Q 2019 revenues of $130 million, a 10% decline from revenues of $144 million in the same period of 2018. An 8% decrease in sales volumes, a 2% unfavourable foreign currency translation impact and a 2% decline due to mix was partially offset by a 2% increase in the average selling price. The volume decline was largely due to lower sales into construction-related applications, softer demand in plastics and coatings, principally related to automotive and electronics end-use applications, and a discontinuation of sales of a timber treatment product to one customer, the company reports. Adjusted EBITDA in the Performance Additives segment was $13 million in 3Q 2019, up 8% from $12 million for the comparable period in 2018. Venator reveals that it is exploring the possible sale of its colour pigments business. More information: www.venatorcorp.com
2
Additives for Polymers
MATERIALS Ampacet presents halogen-free flame retardant masterbatch
M
asterbatch specialist Ampacet has introduced Halofree 709, a non-halogenated flame retardant masterbatch that is claimed to provide ‘outstanding flame retardancy’ in polyethylene (PE) films at low addition rates. The first in a planned new series of halogen-free flame retardants, it also complies with a range of health and safety and environmental protection regulations, the company says. The new halogen-free flame retardant masterbatch is rated ‘excellent’ under flammability testing classifications including B2 (DIN 4102), VTM-0 (UL 94) and Euroclass close equivalents, Ampacet reports. It also complies with human health and safety management regulations such as ISO 14001; environmental protection legislation including European Parliament and Council directives 94/62/EC (on packaging and packaging waste) and 2002/95/EC (restriction of hazardous substances; ROHS); REACH; and automotive norm VDA 232-101 (the Global Automotive Declarable Substance List), according to the company. Ampacet Halofree 709 can therefore provide a safe and effective alternative to conventional flame retardant agents containing bromine and antimony, which are toxic to the environment and hazardous to the health of humans and living organisms when products containing them burn or are recycled. Alongside its flame retardance attributes, Ampacet Halofree 709 also provides excellent optics and film clarity, the company reports. In addition, the product can be coloured by using it in combination with masterbatches from Ampacet’s colour portfolio. According to the company, the new flame retardant masterbatch is suitable for use in a broad range of flexible applications, including carpet backing, industrial packaging materials, ceiling insulation, and under-roof liners for houses, railway stations and stadiums. Ampacet also offers a range of copolymer-based, brominated flame retardant concentrates for use in a variety of resin systems. The products are non-blooming and demonstrate good thermal and UV stability, the company
December 2019