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Plastic Masterbatch
In any solid product, the color pigments or additives are optimally dispersed at high concentrations in a carrier material. The carrier material is compatible with the primary plastic that is blended during molding. The final plastic product obtains the color or properties from the plastic masterbatch. Plastic Masterbatch is a solid or liquid additive for plastic used for coloring plastics (also called color masterbatch) or imparting other properties to plastics (additive masterbatch).
In this article, we will explain what plastic masterbatch exactly is, how it works and why it is so important for many industries that are using plastic of any kind in their products.
What is Plastic Masterbatch and how does it work?
Shortly explained, a plastic masterbatch is a solid plastic additive used to color or impart other properties to plastics. The term masterbatch basically describes the concentrated mixture obtained by the distribution of colors and additives into a polymer carrier by heat treatment and a high-shear mixing extruder. The mixture is then cooled, cut, and formed into granules via a pelletizer. Plastic Masterbatch allows the processor to color raw polymer economically during the plastics manufacturing process, adding color to the mixture.
The production of plastic masterbatch creates great demands on the compounding process. The pigment and additive parts need to be merged into the base polymer completely homogeneously. Furthermore, Masterbatches solid crystals are solvent-free and tend to have a longer shelf life as the solvent in the polymer won’t evaporate. Masterbatches are high-performance engineering thermoplastics.
Benefits of using Plastic Masterbatch
When compared to raw pigments, masterbatch allows for higher accuracy in controlling the opacity or transparency of final, colored products. There is a minimal chance of variance during the manufacturing process, thanks to predetermined ratios of additive ingredients that are included in the plastic masterbatch. The masterbatch can help protect the additive from exposure to humidity, temperature, and UV during storage.
The melting processes are improved because binding agents in masterbatch are matched with the polymers that are being used in the process. Master batching gives users better color consistency when working with large orders. The use of an additive masterbatch also improves product consistency and process stability through better dispersion.
Masterbatches are used in order to color a wide variety of plastic products from numerous industries. Car parts, kitchen supplies, toys, pipes, food packages, and many more. Another important benefit of masterbatch technology is that it can create just about any color shade or hue, according to the customer’s specific request.
White and Black Plastic Masterbatch
White masterbatch has a wide range of applications, including lamination, coating, pipes, thermo-forming, protective films, fibers, and more. White plastic masterbatch has superior dispersion and ease of consolidation.
Black plastic masterbatch is based on polyethylene, polypropylene, and a universal carrier system. Black masterbatch is one of the most widely used colorants in the plastics industry today. Made from black carbon, the grade is determined based on the customer’s requirements and the manufacturer’s needs. The specially selected carbon blacks provide a wide spread of properties such as UV protection and food contact increasing more economical blacks for allowing the only coloration.
Colorful Plastic Masterbatch
Colorful plastic masterbatch is a granule used for coloring thermoplastics. It consists of one or more colorants and a polymer-specific carrier resin. Colorants are classified into several categories: organic dyes, organic pigments, and inorganic pigments. Dyes can be used for transparent coloration due to the fact they are soluble in plastics. The different color pigments remain in their original particle form inside the plastic and need to be dispersed within the plastic.
Colorful plastic masterbatch brings a vast change in plastic resins and various applications. Color adds value and catches the eye. It can define the form and function of the final product. Thermal stability and color flexibility are two major constituents that make color masterbatch a perfect solution for any plastic product.
Additive Masterbatch
Additive masterbatches prevent deterioration due to heat and shear during processing and UV radiation and oxidation in the end-user environment. It can limit the spreading of fire and resist reacting to it. the key controls can reduce the product weight, and consumption makes synthetic exteriors easier to print or laser cut. It also prevents the build-up of possible electricity.
In conclusion, Plastic Masterbatch is an important additive for any plastic product. The masterbatch can be colorful, b&w, or come as an additive. The production process of plastic across many industries is crucial for our day-to-day lives, as we use various products containing plastic. By adding the right plastic masterbatch to the process, the products can be of the highest quality possible.
Tosaf manufactures state-of-the-art masterbatches for a wide range of clients and industries. Want to learn more about our capabilities? Wish to speak with one of our experts? Contact us today.
