Natural Plastics

Clariant introduces a new generation of lubricant based on a renewable source to the PVC processing community, in support of the global trend away from lead-stabilized PVC processing compounds.
Licocare™ SBW11 TP is currently making its regional debut on the PVC congress circuit in Germany, including the recently-held PVC Formulation 2012 and the forthcoming SKZ PVC-Folien conference from April 25-26, 2012.

New Licocare SBW11 TP offers excellent performance, and efficiency and sustainability benefits. The naturally-based, chemically modified wax is produced from soya bean oil. It offers superior technical performance in PVC processing versus fatty acid derivatives traditionally used for lubrication.

Licocare SBW11 TP is particularly suitable for the processing of rigid PVC compounds, especially for calcium/zinc- (Ca/Zn) and tin (Sn)-stabilized PV film and extrusion applications. The lubricant acts as an
external and internal lubricant offering a number of performance benefits to enable processors to take advantage of efficient and consistent production runs.

These include:
 Good release/anti-sticking effects: outperforms external lubrication potential of fatty acid esters / complex ester mixtures
 No mold deposits thanks to low volatility and good compatibility with PVC
 Excellent thermal stability ensures good color stability
 The broad lubricating effects contribute to a balanced rheology behavior
 Low concentrations varying from 0.3 to 1.0 phr provide effective performance

Licocare SBW11 TP can also be used as a lubricant in PVC injection molding. Here, flowability is significantly improved with less influence on the Vicat softening temperature than that of common internal lubricants, such as fatty acid ester derivatives. As a result, Licocare SBW11 TP can achieve better dimensional stability for the injection molded product and excellent flow improvement.

"Licocare SBW11 TP offers PVC processors a high-performing, renewable-based lubricant that supports their production efficiency and environmental goals." comments Beate Treffler Head of Technical Marketing BL Waxes IS Plastics; BU Additives, Clariant.

Source: www.clariant.com

Arkema Inc. has selected the Bioplastics Division of Teknor Apex Company as a preferred supplier of masterbatches incorporating the company’s Biostrength® additives for polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer, Teknor Apex announced today.

Arkema’s Biostrength® additives product line currently includes a clear impact modifier; an impact modifier for opaque injection molding applications; a melt strength enhancer for improving the processability of foams, films, fibers, and thin-sheet extrusion and thermoforming; and a metal release agent that reduces sticking on extrusion and molding equipment. Teknor Apex will supply masterbatches based on these additives under its Terraloy™ bioplastics brand name.

“Arkema is partnering with Teknor Apex as a way to meet the needs of customers for a reliable source of pellet masterbatches for PLA based on our Biostrength additives, which are produced in powder form,” said Peggy S. Sharp, Arkema’s business director of packaging and medical markets. “We chose Teknor Apex as a preferred supplier based on their reputation for speed and responsiveness in working with customers.”

“The masterbatches based on Arkema additives are a natural addition to our Terraloy bioplastics product portfolio, which already includes diverse compounds based on blends of bioplastic polymers, thermoplastic starch, and other additives,” said Edwin Tam, manager of new strategic initiatives. “These masterbatches improve the performance of PLA, enable them to meet more stringent requirements, and broaden their application potential.”

About Arkema:

THE SUSTAINABILITY ADDITIVES GROUP OF ARKEMA INC. offers a wide range of products to the plastics industry, including Biostrength® impact modifiers, Vikoflex® epoxidized soybean oils and various organic peroxides. The mission of the group is to help customers make more efficient use of energy and materials, develop new products that harness the capabilities of renewable resources, manage or create less waste, and extend the life of existing products.

Source:http://www.teknorapex.com