Struktol releases unique process additives for recycled plastics

Struktol Company of America has developed unique process additives for reclaimed/recycled plastics and for polymer compounds that contain recycled content. These products find their use in a variety of 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 has launched 2 new products that combine a compatibilizer with lubricants to create a 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.

In the upcoming NPE2015 Struktol will feature at its booth (Booth #S27082) STRUKTOL TR 229, which is for use in both polycarbonate (PC) and PC/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blends as well as nylon 6 and 6,6 compounds. It is ideal for FDA-approved applications and for use in recycled applications. Another product, STRUKTOL TR 219 is 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.

In addition to its line of additive products for recycled polypropylene, the company is offering STRUKTOL RP, 11 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.