As a custom sheet extrusion company, we offer a wide range of options to our customers in regards to how they can customize their materials. At the most basic level, customers can select from a range of products in different polymers and customize their size, gauge and surface. Taking customization a step further, customers can also choose from a selection of “house” colorants or have the material color matched to any color under the sun. In addition to this, Impact Plastics also has the ability to integrate specialty additives into the plastic sheet formulation that further enhance the properties of the material. Our additive solutions are integrative formulations designed to enhance plastic materials' properties for diverse applications, supporting improved processing, performance, and sustainability. We pride ourselves on delivering customized solutions, leveraging our research and development expertise to develop tailored polymer additives that meet specific client needs. These specialty additives are added at the extrusion level through a sophisticated blending system that homogeneously blends the additive into the sheet, creating a truly custom formulation for our customers. Our cutting edge technology enables us to drive innovation and provide a competitive edge for clients across various applications. Continue reading to learn more about some of the specialty additives available to our customers!
Static is not only annoying but when it comes to plastic, the presence of static can lead to issues such as increased handling problems, excessive dust and dirt build up on the surface of the plastic part, parts sticking, damage of sensitive medical or electronic products and even fire or explosion hazard if static sparks are formed near flammable liquids. The addition of anti-static additives help to reduce static electric charges either by making the material conductive, or interacting with moisture in the atmosphere, forming a microscopic layer of water on the surface of the material. Anti-static additives are available as both internal and external additives.
Impact Plastics has the capability to impart anti-static properties to the material using either an internal or an external anti-static additive. Internal anti-static additives that can be incorporated and blended into the polymer at the extrusion level. During this process the additive is blended homogeneously with the polymer to provide the much-needed surface resistivity required for electronics packaging. As the material cools, the additive migrates to the surface and begins to pick up moisture from the surrounding environment. External anti-static coatings can be applied to the sheet formulation using our customizable roller-coater capabilities. These additives play a significant role in the packaging industry by improving product quality and shelf appeal.
CaCO3 is one of the most widely used mineral fillers in the plastics industry, and its use in rigid packaging has increased significantly over the years. The addition of calcium carbonate to polypropylene sheet has been shown to improve the performance of several properties including improvements to heat deflection temperature, increased impact strength, stiffness and barrier properties. The use of CaCO3 in materials such as polypropylene can also help streamline processing by allowing the plastic to heat and cool down faster and reduce shrinkage by improving the heat deflection of the material. Utilizing calcium carbonate is a cost effective way to streamline manufacturing processes and reduce production costs.
For more information on the benefits of using CaCO3 check out our blog post!
Similarly to CaCO3 filler, the use of Talc in polypropylene sheet helps to remedy several common challenges of thermoforming polypropylene while enhancing several properties of the polymer. The use of talc in polypropylene sheet has been shown to improve the performance of several properties including increased rigidity, resistance to heat, increased heat deflection, faster cooling and reduced shrinkage. These mineral fillers contribute to enhanced performance in plastic materials for various applications.
Unlike calcium carbonate, however, the addition of talc results in a significant decrease in impact strength, so if high impact strength is an important specification, CaCO3 is the better choice.
For more information on deciding between calcium carbonate and talc click here!
Polypropylene is a semi-crystalline polymer which gives the material a hazy appearance in its natural state. Polypropylene normally crystallizes slowly, forming collections of large and complex crystals or spherulites. Without the addition of a clarifying additive, the size of the spherulites grow to be larger than the wavelength of visible light, resulting in light scattering and hazing the material.
The addition of the clarifying agent increases the rate of crystallization throughout the polymer. Because there are more crystals packed into the same space, the crystals grow smaller, allowing for light transmission and enhanced clarity. So now you can take advantage of all of the wonderful characteristics inherent to PP while still achieving a part with the visual appeal desired by today’s consumers. Clarifying additives also enable the creation of intricate designs and visually appealing parts. To learn more visit Milliken Chemical.
The appearance of fog seen on the surface of clear plastic packaging is the result of the condensation of water vapor on the surface of the material. In food packaging, this cannot only ruin the shelf appeal of the product by preventing the consumer from seeing the contents, but it could also impact the quality of the food. The use of anti-fog additives work to minimize surface tension, resulting in a non-scattering film of water rather than single tiny droplets.
Impact Plastics has the capability to impart anti-fog additives to the material using either an internal or an external anti-fog additive or coating to combat this fogging effect. Internal anti-fog additives are non-ionic surfactants, or compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids or a solid and a liquid. A degree of incompatibility exists between the polymer and the additive, and as a result, the additive migrates to the surface, decreasing the surface tension of the water droplets, and thus reducing the surface tension between the water and the surface of the plastic packaging. This allows the water to spread out creating a more uniform layer of water, thus improving the transparency of the water droplets and eliminating the fogging effect. External anti-fog coatings can be applied to the sheet formulation using our customizable roller-coater capabilities. Anti-fog additives are widely used in the packaging industry to improve product quality and shelf appeal.
For more information on how you can further customize our products to meet your application’s needs, !
Introduction to Plastic Additives
Plastic additives are specialized substances incorporated into plastic materials to enhance their physical and chemical properties, making them more suitable for a wide range of applications. In the plastic industry, these additives play a crucial role by enabling manufacturers to create products with specific, desired properties such as improved impact resistance, flexibility, and enhanced aesthetic appeal. Customized plastic additives are developed to address the unique requirements of different sectors, including the automotive industry, packaging, and construction. By integrating these additives during plastic manufacturing, companies can boost material performance, streamline production processes, and even reduce environmental impact. Whether the goal is to create products with superior durability or to meet stringent industry standards, additives are essential for achieving optimal results in both the performance and appearance of plastic materials.
Plastics Industry Overview
The plastics industry is a dynamic and multifaceted sector that produces an extensive array of plastic materials and products for diverse industries. From packaging materials that protect consumer goods to high-performance automotive parts, plastics are integral to countless applications. Central to the success of the plastics industry is the use of plastic additives, which are essential for enhancing material properties, ensuring regulatory compliance, and minimizing environmental impact. As the demand for sustainable practices grows, the industry is increasingly adopting recyclable materials, biodegradable additives, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Leading companies such as Ecochem and Polytives are at the forefront of developing innovative, customized plastic additives that address the evolving needs of various industries. This commitment to innovation and sustainability is helping the plastics industry deliver high-quality, high-performance materials for a wide range of applications.
Material Selection Considerations
Selecting the right plastic materials for a specific application involves careful consideration of several key factors, including physical and chemical properties, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers must evaluate the intended use of the product, the environmental conditions it will face, and any relevant regulatory requirements. For example, packaging materials often require additives that provide superior barrier properties to protect contents, while automotive parts demand additives that enhance impact resistance and UV stability for long-term performance. By thoroughly understanding these material selection considerations, manufacturers can create tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of each industry. This approach ensures that the final products not only meet performance expectations but also comply with industry standards and deliver lasting durability in their intended environments.
Integrating Specialty Additives: Key Principles
Successfully integrating specialty additives into plastic manufacturing processes requires a strategic approach based on several key principles. First, selecting the most suitable additives for the intended application is essential, as different additives—such as flame retardants and UV stabilizers—offer distinct benefits. Next, optimizing the concentration of each additive ensures that the desired material properties are achieved without compromising the integrity of the base material. Compatibility between the additive and the plastic is also crucial to maintain consistent performance and quality. By adhering to these principles, manufacturers can develop customized plastic additives that enhance material properties, support regulatory compliance, and address the specific needs of industries such as automotive, packaging, and construction. This process-driven approach enables the creation of advanced, high-performance plastic products for a wide array of applications.
Polymer Additives and Their Role in Custom Sheet Formulations
Polymer additives are vital components in the development of custom sheet formulations, allowing manufacturers to engineer materials with targeted properties and performance characteristics. These additives can significantly enhance flexibility, impact resistance, and thermal stability, making them ideal for use in packaging materials, automotive parts, and construction materials. By incorporating polymer additives into custom sheet formulations, manufacturers can create tailored solutions that meet the precise needs of different industries, ensure regulatory compliance, and support environmental responsibility. The use of polymer additives also opens the door to innovative formulations that can be utilized in advanced additive manufacturing processes, such as selective laser sintering, enabling the production of complex, lightweight, and high-performance parts. This versatility and adaptability make polymer additives indispensable for driving innovation and delivering superior material performance across a wide range of applications.