Additives

Elastomers 1 Feb 2005

K 2004 Wrap-Up on Additives: Problem-Solving Additives Tackle New and Old Challenges

The latest K show was rich in additives that can ease processing and end-use problems of thermoplastics and thermosets.

Additives 1 Jan 2005

Colorant Makers Expand Services to Speed Customers' Product Development

Independent color-concentrate producers have been expanding the range of services they offer beyond simple color matching.

Additives 1 Dec 2004

Polyurethanes: Foams Go 'Green' at Ever-Lower Cost

A great deal of effort is going into formulating rigid and flexible foams for lower cost and better properties, despite the transition to "cleaner" blowing agents. Improving fire and smoke performance is another challenge.

Additives 1 Nov 2004

Chasing Nanocomposites

Nano-sized particles have mega-potential in plastics because just a pinch does so much more than heavy loadings of other additives. Three recent conferences presented almost 200 papers on the feverish pace of ‘nano’ R&D on boosting plastics’ mechanical and barrier properties, flame retardancy, and electrical conductivity.

sustainability 1 Oct 2004

From Paper-Mill Sludge to Plastic Decking

Kadant Composites’ self-appointed mission for the past eight years has been to find commercial uses for paper sludge, a soggy mix of short cellulose fibers, calcium carbonate, and clay that is the copious byproduct of paper recycling.

Multiscrew 1 Oct 2004

'Cleaner,' More Efficient Additives for Flexible and Rigid PVC

New vinyl additives designed to be more environmentally friendly while offering improved performance are available from Crompton Corp., Middlebury, Conn.

Additives 1 Sep 2004

Loads of New Additives and Colorants to Debut at K 2004

Several categories of new polymer additives will be unveiled at this year’s largest plastics show—K 2004 in Dusseldorf, Germany, next month.

Multiscrew 1 Aug 2004

'Super-TPVs': The New Challenge to Rubber

Recent commercialization of a cluster of novel thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) families is promising to boost demand for thermoplastic elastomers in new and challenging industrial and consumer product segments.