ADDITIVES FOR PLASTICS

AN OVERVIEW OF ADDITIVES

Types and uses of additives; The main effect of additives on the properties of a compound; Main types of additive for plastics, and their functions.



2 - OVERVIEW: TYPES AND MAIN TECHNICAL TRENDS

Current lines of development: fillers, pigments, plasticisers, stabilisers, flame retardants; Special additives, antistatic and conductive additives, food contact and medical additives, clarifiers, nucleating agents, compatibilisers; Multi-functional formulations; Masterbatches; Dendritic polymers.



3 - OVERVIEW: THE WORLD MARKET

World consumption of additives; World production and consumption of major thermoplastics, 1999-2005 ('000 tonnes); The market for masterbatch; Commercial trends; Growth of specialist compounders; Regional factors; Recent mergers and takeovers in the additives sector (1997-2000).



Modifying specific properties: mechanical properties:



4 - FILLERS

Effect of fillers: mechanical properties, thermal properties, moisture content, reinforcement mechanism of fillers - Factors for compounding, aggregation of fillers - Types of fillers: calcium carbonate, kaolin, magnesium hydroxide (talc), wollastonite, silica, metal powders, microspheres, expandable microspheres, cellulose fillers - Surface modification: particle geometry, coating - Nano technology, processing nanocomposites - Commercial trends.



Modifying specific properties: mechanical properties:



5 - REINFORCEMENTS

Fibres - the basic properties; Types of reinforcing fibre: aramid, carbon/graphite, glass fibre, E-CR glass, polyester, hybrid fibres; Other fibres: asbestos, boron, nylon; Natural fibres; Forms of reinforcement; Long fibre reinforcement; New developments; Commercial trends.



Modifying specific properties: colour and appearance:



6 - PIGMENTS, DYESTUFFS, SPECIAL EFFECTS

Main types of pigment and colourant: mixed metal oxides, dyes, liquid colours; Addition of colourants; Replacement of cadmium; Special effects: aluminium, pearlescents, light interference pigments, fluorescents, thermochromic and photochromic; Laser marking; Pigment dispersants; Multifunctional systems; Pigments for engineering plastics; Effect of pigments on dimensions; Recent developments; Commercial trends.



Modifying specific properties: appearance:



7 - PIGMENTS: BLACK AND WHITE

Types of white pigment: titanium dioxide, surface treatments, opacity and tinting strength; zinc sulphide; Other white pigments and extenders; Properties of white pigments and fillers; White masterbatch; New developments; Black pigments: carbon black, Effect of particle size and structure on properties; Testing for properties; Other black pigments; Black masterbatch; Recent developments; Commercial trends: titanium dioxide, carbon black.



Modifying specific properties: resistance to heat:



8 - HEAT STABILISERS

How they work; Polymer heat-stabilisers selection guide; Antioxidants: primary, secondary; Blends; Replacement of heavy metals; Effect of silica; Benzoxazolone derivatives; New chemistry for stabilisers: lactone chemistry, Vitamin E; Recent developments; Other stabilisers.



Modifying specific properties: resistance to light:



9 - UV STABILISERS

How they work; UV screening pigments; Absorbers; Energy transfer agents/quenchers; Hindered amine light stabilisers; Synergists with HALS; Polymeric stabilisers; Blends; Replacement of heavy metals; UV-stabilisers selection guide; Selection of antioxidants for use with UV stabilisers; New chemistry; Recent developments.



Modifying specific properties: flammability:



10 - FLAME RETARDANT ADDITIVES

How they work; Summary of the main FR additives: reactive, additive; Halogenated compounds: chlorinated, brominated; Other flame retardants: melamine cyanurate (MC); Phosphorus; Effect of individual fillers; Combinations of flame retardants; Synergistic reactions; Intumescents; Halogen-free systems; Health and the environment: Recycling; New developments: Nanocomposites; Commercial trends.