Additive Masterbatches..The Color in Plastics

Hi all. I am an Indian student studying in 12^th standard in a New Delhi based school. I am also the editor of our school magazine. Last month I was writing for the article based on plastic industry. The focus of the article was on the environmental impact of the plastic.

During research for that article I got intrigued by the coloration process of the plastic. I then decided to give a new dimension to my article, about the coloration process and technologies involved. It made sense because harmful or not we can’t wish away the plastic from our lives, it is so damn useful, but we can make ourselves aware of the basics of manufacturing process so as to make use of the plastics more carefully.

With this objective in mind I decided to approach my principal with request to visit a manufacturer of international repute which can give me an idea of best practices in the industry. We decided upon visiting RPindustries R.P Industries the manufacturer and exporter of the additive masterbatches, the basic ingredient to color raw polymer economically during the plastics manufacturing process for all kinds of polymers.

Due to space crunch we could not squeeze the article in our magazine, but it would have been a terrible waste not to do anything with the research. Therefore through this series of postings I would like to make my work see the light of the day, and may be help some of you curious souls understand the plastic especially colored one.

Let’s start with description of masterbatch and its types.

Masterbatches are used to add colors and impart special properties to plastic products. Cost of masterbatch is hardly 1-2%in final plastic product but its quality is very important for durability and functional properties of the product. A Masterbatch contains polymers, additives and colorants specifically formulated together to provide either a general or specific function.

Master batch products are divided into two major types.

• The pigment master batch to color the plastic.
• The functional additive master batches make the plastic capable of certain performances like making them heat resistant, weather resistant etc. Some of the functional master batches are UV light stabilizers, antifog agents, antiblock agents, antistatic agents, etc.Interesting? Well read my next postings for more information on masterbatches, coloration process and UV Masterbatch.