K 2007 will showcase an unusual mix of new polymer additives, including some based on novel chemistries. These include PP clarifying and nucleating agents, a stabilizer for Nano composites, and all-natural colour and additive masterbatches for biopolymers. Also being introduced is a �dryable� foaming agent for polycarbonate, additive packages for wood-plastic composites (WPCs). Other new additive includes specialty fillers.

1. Clarifiers/nucleating agents
Ciba is to launch a clarifier/nucleant for PP, based on a new chemistry that allows for major cost reduction. Irgaclear XT-386 is based on trisamides rather than sorbitol. Use level to reduce haze and increase clarity of PP is dramatically reduced and is only 150ppm vs. 2000ppm for the conventional additives. It is suited for PP random copolymers for thin-wall injection molding of food containers and stretch-blow molding of bottles. Industrial trials with DVDs and bottles have shown that addition of XT-386 results in significantly shorter cycles.
New level of clarity in PP resins is achieved with a next-generation clarifier being introduced by Milliken Chemicals compared to existing products, Millad NX8000 offers dramatic haze reduction along with good heat and impact resistance. This clarifier is derived from a new class of molecules based on nonitol.

2. Antioxidant for nano composites
Ciba is introducing a unique stabilizer for nanoclay-based Nano composites. Irgatec NC 66 is a proprietary blend of antioxidants and other ingredients that reportedly works on the different elements of a Nanocomposite, known to increase risk of degradation, including the nanoclay, compatibilizer and impact modifier. This additive package improves processing stability, enables hotter and faster processing, reduces yellowing during ageing, enhances long-term heat and light stability and reduces odour during processing.

3. A ll-natural color and Additive for biopolymers
The first commercial introduction of �all-natural� color and additive masterbatches made entirely from renewable resources is aimed at �green� packaging and consumer products made from biopolymers. Based on natural materials like flowers, Renol-natur color concentrates and Cesa-natur, additive concentrates from Clariant are biodegradable and designed for use with PLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) and starch-based polymers. Available colours include red, orange, yellow, and green. Blue is in final stages of development, and the colours can be combined to make additional shades and tones. These colourants are described as �very earthy and organic looking,� and some are expected to have excellent clarity. However, their limited lightfastness makes them unsuitable for some applications.

4. �Dryable' high-temperature foaming-agent masterbatch for PC
A new high-temperature foaming-agent masterbatch for polycarbonate can be pre blended with virgin PC and then dried, rather than having to be dried separately at lower temperature, like competing products. New Safoam NPC-20 introduced by Reedy is an endothermic type that generates CO2 (carbon dioxide) and does not degrade the PC resin.

5. Additives for WPC
Reedy International Corp. will introduce the following new additive packages for wood-plastic composites based on HDPE, PP and PVC.

		Saftec AS, a heat stabilizer that is applied to the wood fiber prior to processing, which facilitates processing of highly filled composites at higher temperatures without oxidation or charring, offers the benefits of enhanced color stability, reduced water absorption and prevention of mold growth. It acts as a processing aid, allowing for higher extrusion rates with improved tensile and flexural strength and surface characteristics.
		Sekur is an aqueous liquid suspension of high-molecular-weight PE that adheres to wood and can be applied to the wood-fiber/plastic blend prior to processing. Dyes can be diluted in Sekur and used to color the wood, to improve dispersion of wood fibers.
		Saftec ASC-25-Sekur and ASCZ-25-Sekur. These are the new Saftec heat stabilizer coated with the Sekur water-based PE, to prevent water absorption by WPCs. ASCZ-25 contains a special dispersion aid that results in improved tensile properties and promotes cross linking for added melt strength.
		Safoam RIC/FP is a new 100%-active powder form of the company's low-temperature endothermic chemical nucleating and blowing agent. It is also available as RIC50/FP masterbatch with 50% active ingredient.

6. Conductive filler
Nyco Materials is introducing two new specialty wollastonite fillers. Competitively priced and readily available Elektra-Stat is a conductive reinforcing grade, said to be the first of its kind, designed to complement or replace conductive carbon black or carbon fiber.