New Polymeric Additive Compounds for Wear Resistance in PA, PC, PBT, PC/ABS Resins

New all-polymeric wear additive compounds with improved properties

15-May-09

Engineering thermoplastic compounder RTP Company (USA) recently commercialized a new line of all-polymeric wear additive (APWA) compounds offering improved wear resistance. According to the company, the RoHS-complaint and non-halogenated materials provide excellent plastic-on-plastic performance without sacrificing properties inherent to the host resin like strength, impact resistance, and specific gravity. In addition, they are free of particulate or traditional wear-reducing additives like PTFE and silicone. Currently, the APWA compounds are initially available worldwide in five resin systems including nylon 6/6 (PA), polycarbonate (PC), acetal (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene alloy (PC/ABS). According to the company, the benefits of its all-polymeric wear additive (APWA) compounds include: - Improved plastic-on-plastic wear resistance and reduced friction resulting in higher PV load capacity during standard ASTM D3702 thrust washer testing. - Improved flow during molding permitting thin walls and intricate designs to fill easily. - Blemish-free surface appearance and complete colorability makes it ideal for visible components and consumer items. - Produce more parts or use less material with specific gravity reductions of up to 10% over similar PTFE-lubricated materials. - Better lot-to-lot and part-to-part consistency, because unlike other olefin-based wear reducing additives, APWA compounds are not reactively extruded. - Halogen-free and RoHS Compliant providing eco-friendliness for use in electrical & electronics applications. - No plate-out issues that are common to PTFE lubricated materials and require regular mold cleaning and lost production time. - Retention of critical host resin physical properties by not using particulate or fluid additives.