November I993 Additives for Polymers

Granite-like concentrates

Granuplast is available in 64 colours and can be added to most thermoplastics. Flame- retardant concentrates have been used in computer cases, counter tops, flower pots, caskets, and headstones. Contact: Safes Corp. Hillside, NJ, USA; or: JM Huber Corp, Polymer Services Division, 6522 Interstate IOW, Orange, TX 77630, USA. Tel: +l-713-820-8093. Fax: -1-l-713- 820-21 66.

Pigments for the textile industry

Bayer pigments for textiles include: Acramin Blue FFG 150% and Navy Blue FBC 150% which are blue pigments for pigment printing. Their concentration has been raised to 150% bringing advantages in the storage and disposal of drums. In addition, Acramin Blue FFG 150% now produces a clearer shade with a less greenish cast.

Acraconz BNP is a slow-swelling, pumpable thickener for pigment thickenings developed by Bayer specifically for fully automated metering units with a single feed pump. This product is also suitable for thickening pigment printing pastes once they have been formulated. Acramin Softener SID is an improved version of Acramin Softener SI. This self-emulsifying silicone softener for pigment printing does not pollute exhaust air. Bayer says that it guarantees a pleasantly smooth, dry handle, improves dry rubfast and enhances colour brilliance and yield. Contuct: Bayer plc, Bayer House, Strawberry Hill, Newbury, Berkshire, RG13 IJA, UK. Tel: + 44-635-39ooo. Fax: +44-635-563.513.

Endothermic blowing agent for polyolef ins

Activex 436 endothermic blowing agent is for use with post-consumer polyolefins in thick sections. It is said to ensure higher gassing levels than existing versions. Contuct: JM Huber Carp, Chemiculs

Division, PO Box 310, Havre de Grace, MD 21078, USA. Tel: +I-301 -939-3500.

Organic peroxide curing agent

Lupersol Delta-3 is a 9% methyl ethyl ketone, and is designed to give high-speed curing in glass reinforced polyesters. It gels in 8.9 minutes, and reaches the fully cured state in 18.8 minutes at 320°F. Contact: ElfAtochem North America, Plastics Additives Division, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Processing aid that eliminates melt fracture in polyolefins

Grade A27527 from Polycom Huntsman, USA, is said to eliminate melt fracture and die build up associated with high-speed, high- shear extrusion of polyolefins. Grade A27527 polythene works by reducing the coefficient of friction between the melt and the internal extruder surfaces.

The company says that this translates to reduced extruder torque, cycle time, and back pressure; improved clarity of final product; and lower cost when compared to competing fluoroelastomer process aids. Contact: Polycom Huntsman Inc, 90 W Chestnut Street, Washington, PA 15301, USA. Tel: + l-41 Z-225-2220. Fax: + l-41 2- 225-7170.

Water-based release agent

Conap MR-5014 is a low viscosity, water- based release agent for use with epoxies, polyurethanes, polyesters, and other filled and unfilled thermoset resins. Contact: Conap Inc, 1405 Buflalo Street, Olean. NY 14760, USA. Tel: +1-716-372- 9650.

Lubricant for PVC

Ester 6 formulation is claimed to improve the

O1993 Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd 3