Recycling

Advantages

  • High recycle content requires good stabilization for high speed processing
  • Stabilization protects sheet sag properties and reduces sheet thinning
  • Uniform polymer flow is required for surge prevention
  • Well stabilized polymer reduces gels, bubble breaks, and gauge variation

Additives for Recycled Polymers

Polymers are designed by their manufacturers with specific molecular structures to have physical properties for specific applications. Every time a polymer is heated, sheared or stressed its original molecular structure can change. Chemical stabilizers can stop or minimize these changes. Melt index is a gross measurement of a polymers molecular structure. Any change in this measurement indicates a significant change to the polymers structure and properties. Stabilizers and other additives preserve a polymers structure by inhibiting the oxidative process or acting as sacrificial oxidation targets.

Oxidation Induction Time (OIT) is a good measurement of how much active stabilizer remains in a polymer. Therefore OIT is good indicator of the polymers resistance to melt shift as well as its long term in service stability. OIT is a good indicator of the polymers resistance to future oxidative degradation and therefore the stability of its rheological properties. OIT is also a key indicator of polymer parts long term stability. Residual stabilization prevents polymer breakdown in the solid state.

Consistent, in specification production requires polymer properties to remain in a narrow band of flow characteristics. Well stabilized polymers retain their flow properties. Recycled polymer that has minimal stabilization consumes stabilizers in the prime resin it is blended with, thus limiting its percentage use. A polymer part with little or no residual stabilization can degrade in the solid state, affecting the physical properties of the part.

Baerlocher’s Special Additives Division offers services in form-giving and the development of customer-specific additive blends. These products and services are used in sophisticated polymer applications for both virgin and recycled polymers.

Contact your specific request

Product forms

Additives for recycled polymers are available in a variety of physical forms.
  • SW Powder

    • small particles, high active surface area
    • good dispersability in final applications
    • good compatibility with powder blends
    • medium bulk density
  • R Granules

    • free flowing
    • robust handling characteristics
    • high feeding accuracy
    • good dispersability
    • suitable to be stored in silo
    • low dust
  • TX Pastilles

    • absolute dust-free
    • suitable to be stored in silo
    • free flowing
    • durable, high abrasion resistance
    • improved industrial hygiene
  • SP Sprayed Prills

    • very low dusting
    • absolutely free flowing granules, compatible with powder blends
    • very high bulk density
    • high feeding accuracy
  • AIB Fine to coarse particles

    • free-flowing
    • medium bulk density
    • excellent material handling
    • accurate Dosing
    • good dispersability in polymers