Additives

Function

Sponsor

Antimicrobials/ Biostabilisers

Help prevent deterioration of plastic materials where part of the material might be susceptible to microbiological attack.  Such attacks can cause staining, discolouration, odour and loss of aesthetics but more importantly, loss of electrical insulating properties, hygiene and overall loss of mechanical properties in the material.

Biodegradable Plasticisers

Used to make plastics softer and more flexible and to enhance the degradability of the product

Fragrances

Fragrances and deodorants for plastics are used in a variety of applications and are playing a growing role in marketing food and beverage packaging and in consumer products for the home.

Antioxidants

Help prevent "oxidation", the polymer reacting with oxygen.  Oxidation can cause loss of impact strength, elongation, surface cracks and discolouration.  Antioxidants help prevent thermal oxidation reactions when plastics are processed at high temperatures and light-assisted oxidation when plastics are exposed to UV light

Antistatic Agents

Help to prevent the build up of static electric charge.  Plastics are generally insulating and so have the capacity to build up static charges on the surface which greatly disturb processing procedures and can be an issue for hygiene and aesthetics.

Blowing Agents

Form gases in the plastic to produce a foam material.  The blowing agents form gases by breaking down on heating at a pre-determined temperature and form a foam structure within the plastic's polymer matrix.

External Lubricants

To prevent damage to plastics or the mould during processing.  Applied to the material or directly to the machine to allow processing without damage. 

Fillers/Extenders

Natural substances used to improve strength and lower the cost of the material.  Usually mineral-based, fillers/extenders literally increase the overall "bulk" of the plastic.

Flame Retardants

To prevent ignition or spread of flame in plastic material.  Plastics see substantial use in critical construction, electrical and transport applications which have to meet fire safety standards either by mandatory regulations or voluntary standards.  Flame retardants are added to plastics to meet these requirements.

Heat Stabilisers

To prevent decomposition of the polymer during processing.  Processing usually results in temperatures well above 180 deg celsius, which without the addition of heat stabilisers would result in the plastic material literally falling apart.

Impact Modifiers

Enables plastic products to absorb shocks and resist impact without cracking.  Particularly relevant for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) materials.

Internal Lubricants

Used to improve processability of plastics by increasing the flowability.  Internal lubricants improve the melt flow of material by lowering the viscosity and heat dissipation (also see Processing Aids)

Light Stabilisers

Used to inhibit the reactions in plastics which cause undesirable chemical degradation from exposure to UV light. 

Pigments

Tiny particles used to create a particular colour.

Plasticisers

Used to make plastics softer and more flexible.

Process Aids

Used to improve processability of plastics by increasing the flowability.  Internal lubricants improve the melt flow of material by lowering the viscosity and heat dissipation (Also see Internal Lubricants) High-polymeric processing aids also improve flowability of PVC compounds.

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Reinforcements

Used to reinforce or improve tensile strength, flexural strength and stiffness of the material.  Often fibre-based.