Materials Master Batches
Materials Master Batches Enable the Biopolymer Industry with the European composting norm EN 13432 or the American composting norm ASTM D6400. This prompts the use of the existing biopolymers as carrier resins with the associated challenges of processing into colour and additive concentrates. It also requires additional screening regarding topics such as chemical composition, disintegration and toxicity for the additives and colorants. Often tests are needed to establish the details required to fulfil these norms. Colour and additive concentrates can help improve the usability of biopolymers in three ways • Processing of biopolymers • Application performance of biopolymers • Aesthetics of biopolymers Processing of biopolymers can be greatly advanced by the use of colour and additive concentrates. In fact, colour and additive concentrates can even be a key enabler for certain biopolymers in certain conversion processes. Depending on the type of biopolymers and polymer processing, the following processing challenges can be resolved by the use of the right colour and additive concentrates: film sticking on polishing roll, static electricity build-up, poor de-moulding, cohesion of film or sheet on the winder, yellowing due to processing, small processing window, shattering of sheet due to cutting, limited line speed during extrusion coating, and blown film conversion. Additive concentrates provide the solutions. Improvement of application performance of biopolymers touches a broad range of colour and additive concentrates, each with a very specific target. Within this range, the following solutions can be found: de-nesting of finished articles, prevention of static built-up and dust attraction on finished articles, transparent impact modification for polylactide, opaque impact modification, reduction in density, UV blockers and anti-fog for food packaging. Additive concentrates provide the solutions. The aesthetics of biopolymers can be altered primarily by colours, but also by special effects. It is important to realise that not all colorants can be used freely in respect of the composting norm. Careful evaluation of colorants is required. Additionally, carrier resins need to be compatible with the biopolymers used and the EN 13432 standard. Colour concentrates provide the solutions. PolyOne’s OnColor BIO colour concentrates and OnCap TM BIO additive concentrates for biodegradable materials are developed to improve the performance and appearance of biopolymers, while preserving the ‘green’ character of the end product. SmartBatch TM BIO offers a combination of colour and additives in one product. On request, the company can provide certification of its products to the European standard EN14342 to facilitate the certification of the customer’s end-product. By adding a range of new liquid concentrates, PolyOne has enhanced its offering for the coloration of plastics, which is dedicated to helping customers make the best technical and economical choice in regard to their specific requirements. Colour and additive concentrates can be made available in liquid and pelletised form. PolyOne also offers complex compounds based on biopolymers. www.polyone.com bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3 31
Materials ‘Green‘ Packaging for Electronic Transparent Antistatic Masterbatch for PLA Components Article contributed by Thomas Weigl, Managing Director, Sukano Products Ltd., Schindellegi, Switzerland www.sukano.com Even electronic components can be attractively packaged in compostable plastic - at least they can if Sukano‘s transparent antistatic PLA (polylactic acid) masterbatch is used. The highly transparent materials compare well, both technically and economically, with conventional alternatives, and have the added advantage of being biodegradable. And to be sure that the product in the pack is not only presented in an environmentally friendly and attractive way, but also securely protected, Sukano calls once again on its experienced research team: SUKANO ® PLA as S546 transparent antstatic masterbatch significantly reduces the surface electrical resistance and so prevents the build-up of a static charge on film, sheet and injection-moulded parts. The packaging attracts less dust and the risk of damage to any sensitive components by electrical discharge is extremely small. On PLA film extruded in the Sukano test laboratory using 4 to 6% (monofilm) and also 5 to 7% (outer layer of laminated film) of SUKANO PLA as S546 and 2% SUKANO PLA dc S511 slip/antiblock masterbatch, a surface resistance of 10 11 ohms was measured and any electrostatic charge was dissipated after a few seconds. In order that plastics processors can achieve optimum performance for each application Sukano offers, in addition to the antistatic masterbatch, a wide range of functional and visually enhancing masterbatches and compounds. These include the recently launched and highly successful SUKANO PLA im S550 impact modifier, plus slip/antiblock, UV and color masterbatches, to mention just a few. All SUKANO PLA masterbatches are biodegradable and the majority of them are approved for food contact. They can also be supplied by the manufacturer in combination, i.e. as special tailor-made masterbatches to provide processors with an ideal performance profile. 32 bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3
