Resins & Compounds

Liquid color manufacturer Riverdale Color is making its own proprietary custom color technology and computer controlled blending system available to plastic processors so they can establish their own in-house liquid-coloring program.

A new acrylic impact modifier boosts impact strength and flowability in PC/ABS and other select PC formulations, helping the alloys fend off increasing competition from compounded TPOs and PPs. Arkema's (Philadelphia, PA) Durastrength 410 is the second additive in the Durastrength acrylic impact modifier family, joining Durastrength 410, which launched several years ago, with the newest addition already commercially applied.

A new glass-filled high-temperature grade of purging compound has a service temperature range of 518°F - 788°F (270°C - 420°C) letting it take on ultra-high-heat engineering resins, like PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), Ultem (polyetherimide), and LCP (liquid crystal polymer) and clean out injection molding machines and extruders.

Non-reinforced and glass-fiber-reinforced, halogen-free, flame-retardant PC/PBT blends from Romira GmbH (Pinneberg, Germany) are said to boast significantly better stress crack and chemical resistance compared with PC/ABS FR blends. The partially crystalline PBT component functions to greatly increases their distortion temperature while improving the surface characteristics of molded products, especially in the case of the glass-fiber-reinforced compounds.

In a "celebration of the harmonious coupling of color found in nature," Ampacet  (Tarrytown, NY) introduced a series of masterbatches especially targeted at multi-layer blowmolded packaging structures used in the for cosmetic, personal care, and household product arenas.

Dow random copolymer polypropylene (PP) has been paired with Milliken's Millad NX 8000 clarifying agent for a new family of PP promising good aesthetics, functionality, and operational efficiencies.

Two new rigid vinyl compounds for injection molding small- to medium-sized parts provide enhanced thermal stability in potable-water applications requiring NSF-61 certification, says its supplier the Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex Company (Pawtucket, RI).

A closed-loop system approach to liquid color delivery eliminates many of the hassles of standard liquid coloring solutions, such as mess, waste, and disposal costs, while reducing environmental impact. OnColor Complete from PolyOne Corporation (Cleveland, OH) provides state-of-the-art liquid colorants in returnable, refillable drums with integrated metering systems.

Bluestar Silicones (Anaheim, CA) has launched a customized approach to the manufacture of antimicrobial silicone products which offers OEMs and processors tailored material solutions to meet specific healthcare application needs.