In order to improve the performance of the finished system or to facilitate the processing of the system, many additives are utilized in the plastic and rubber compounding process. Heat and UV stabilizers, antistatic agents, optical brighteners, foaming agents, moisture scavengers, and other additives are examples of plastic and rubber additives. In the compounding process, additives are employed to give the completed product the properties necessary to perform as required, whether they are added as a master batch or one at a time.
Specific additives will find use in all Rubber and Plastic manufacturing systems, from PE to PVC and from NR to SBR.
Plastics and rubbers require specific additions to generate the appropriate qualities in end-use compounds. There are several uses for filler systems, binders, and chemical additives in compounding. These uses can change the aesthetic qualities of the material or increase its strength.
A crucial addition for compound synthesis that enhances compound flow and release is lubricants. Early rubber technology development used lubricants like zinc stearate and stearic acid. Because of their low molecular weight, polyethylene and polypropylene waxes are favored today. Grains can easily scatter in both natural and synthetic rubbers thanks to this property.
Another form of additive is a binder. A binder's purpose is to keep things together. The two most used binders for plastic masterbatches are amorphous polyolefin and atactic polypropylene. Additionally, they serve as an extender in sealants as well as the foundation polymer for hot melt adhesives. They are frequently used in producing formulations for the cable, energy, construction, footwear, and automotive industries.
The filler systems are an additional ingredient that is frequently disregarded and undervalued in plastic and rubber compounds. Functional fillers made of quartz sand are used to reduce costs, strengthen the elastomer, add particular qualities, and boost abrasion resistance. By enabling the manufacturer to maximize the fill ratio and improve the compound, functional filler systems bring value.