Unique process additives for reclaimed/recycled plastics, polymer compounds with recycled content

A unique process additives for reclaimed/recycled plastics and for polymer compounds that contain recycled content has been developed by Struktol Company of America, a leading global supplier of polymer additives. These products are useful in a variety of different resin systems from polyolefins to engineered plastics, offering greater processing efficiency and enhanced performance. They are targeted for compounds containing 100% recycled material or materials with varying levels of post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content. For engineering plastics, Struktol offers two new products that combine a compatibilizer with lubricants to create a combination product that aids in the incorporation of fillers (mineral or glass) with improved mixing and flow properties as well as mold release. These products result in better processing, improved surface quality, and in some cases, better physical properties. Among the new products, STRUKTOL® TR 229 is for use in both polycarbonate (PC) and PC/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blends as well as nylon 6 and 6,6 compounds. It can be used in FDA-approved applications and is also ideal for use in recycled applications. Struktol also introduced STRUKTOL® TR 219 for use in nylon 6 and 6,6 compounds. It has also been found to be effective in polyester (PET and PBT) compounds, especially recycled or recyclate-containing applications or in cases where the polyester compound is contaminated with other plastics. Struktol also announced additions to its line of additive products for recycled polypropylene. STRUKTOL® RP 11 is a unique lubricant package that provides an unmatched combination of viscosity reduction and mold release characteristics for recycled PP resins and compounds. Loading levels as low as 0.2% result in increased melt flow and allow for significant improvements in mold filling and release. Processors using RP 11 will benefit from its versatility; allowing greater use of regrind or recycled content material without sacrificing certain properties or performance. In addition, STRUKTOL® RP 06 provides similar viscosity modification and mold release combined with low odor and volatiles that are ideal in automotive applications. STRUKTOL® RP 37 is designed to provide unmatched viscosity modification and lubrication in recycled PP compounds and resins that contain high levels of polyethylene contaminants. STRUKTOL® RP 17, a combination lubricant and odor neutralizing mask, was originally designed for reducing/eliminating compounding and end-product odors in wood-filled plastic compounds. The product has been modified for use in a variety of polymer resins and compounds that require the multi-functionality of lubrication, mold release, and odor reduction. RP 17 can be used in recycled applications as well as automotive interior compounds where neutral odor may be a requirement. In addition to this product, Struktol is doing custom product design around odor and volatile reduction in a variety of resin types. STRUKTOL® TR 052 is a compatibilizer and blending aid that is extremely beneficial for incorporation of regrind/recycled product in a wide range of polymers. Processors can realize improved physical properties and overall improved processability of compounds requiring some level of recycled content. TR 052 has been shown to significantly improve the processability and performance of mixed recycled streams used when separation of the resins is not done prior. The additive compatibilizes dissimilar polymer systems allowing for expanded use of these mixed recycled streams.