Additives to optimize composites

At the recently concluded Fakuma 2018, attention turned once more to the industrial processing of plastics and its challenges. BYK, a leading additive manufacturer for premium plastics, presented its complete portfolio of high-performance additives where, among other things, it presented innovative solutions for composites from the SCONA product series. These additives optimize the use of carbon fibers and are therefore suitable, among other things, for lightweight materials that the automotive industry uses for high-quality vehicle bodies.

 

BYK also offers numerous formulations for technical plastics based on thermoplastics. These include easy-to-use multi-component solutions that improve the dispersion and processing of liquid additives. These formulations are based on unique process technologies, including special co-extrusion and compaction processes, thus allowing for higher overall additive concentrations.

 

A new wetting and dispersing additive will also be presented to the market. DISPERPLAST-1180 has been specially developed for highly-filled systems where conventional process additives and standard wetting and dispersing additives are limited. The filler content is often increased in formulations to increase cost-effectiveness. However, this can also lead to undesirable effects such as poorer mechanical properties, a lower melt strength during processing, a slower gelling and an increased production time.

 

 

Using DISPERPLAST-1180, however, not only makes it possible to lower the formulation costs by increasing the filler content, but also to increase the quality of the end product. It also offers: improved plastification; faster plastification speed; better distribution of the melt.

 

DISPERPLAST-1180 is therefore particularly suitable for use in high-quality laminated systems such as PVC design floor coverings (LVT).

 

BYK is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the field of additives and measuring instruments. Additives are chemical substances which, when used in small quantities, improve product properties such as scratch resistance or surface gloss. Manufacturing processes are also optimized by the addition of additives. The coatings, inks, and plastics industries are among the main consumers of BYK additives. Yet with the production of oil and gas, the manufacture of care products, the production of adhesives and sealants, and construction chemistry, too, BYK additives improve the product characteristics and production processes. Testing and measuring instruments from BYK can effectively evaluate the quality of color, gloss, and appearance as well as the physical properties of paint, plastic, and paper products and are an important part of quality control.

 

As a globally operating specialty chemicals company, BYK has production sites in Wesel, Kempen, Moosburg, Schkopau and Geretsried (Germany), Deventer, Denekamp and Nijverdal (Netherlands), Widnes (UK), Wallingford, Chester, Gonzales, Louisville, Rochester Hills, Earth City (USA) and Tongling (China). Today the company employs around 2,250 people worldwide and forms part of the ALTANA Group.