Additives for Polymers March 1993

dispersion, thermal stability and physical properties are important alongside opacity. LL7315 is for agricultural films and silage stretch-wrap needing good weathering and pigmentation properties. This grade also contains additives for long-term thermal stabilization and maximum UV protection. The three new Plasbak grades are coded PE2614, LL2612 and HD3300. PE2614 is for the production of mono-layer and multi- layer silage stretch-wrap film, and has additional UV protection and thermal stability modifiers. LL2612 is for agricultural applications where weathering resistance is required, and in packaging film for foodstuffs, and is particularly suitable for HD and LLDPE film from 10 to 25 microns thick. HD3300 has been developed to give maximum protection against UV degradation, and can be used for pipes, packaging film and agricultural film. Contact: Cabot Plastics Ltd, Gate Street, Dukinj?eld, Cheshire, SK16 4RU, UK. Tel: + 44-61-330-50.51. Fax: + 44-61-308-2641.

Black and white masterbatches for use with polyolefins and styrene-based polymers have been announced by RGR Polymer in India. No further technical information is available. Contact: RGR Polymer Pvt Ltd. 369 Ramchauder Market, Mango1 Puri Rhurd, Delhi-l 10083, India.

Impact modifiers

Two acrylic-styrene copolymer impact modifiers from Clear Performance Plastics are said to improve the impact strength of medium-impact polystyrene, whilst retaining overall stiffness characteristics. These two grades, P603 and P610 are for translucent lens applications. Contact: Clear Peflormance Plastics, Novacor Chemicals Inc, 1501 Woodfield Road, Suite 205 S, Schaumburg, Illinois 60195, USA. Tel: + l-31 2-882-3636.

Release agents

A water-based release agent has been developed for silicone elastomers. Frekote S- 10 is a semi-permanent product formulated for use on moulds between 65 and 150°C. The non-flammable, non-solvent release agent can be applied by spray, wiping, or brushing and is said to dry rapidly. Contact: Frekote Mold Release Products, Dept 4713, One Dexter Drive, Seabrook, NH 03874-4018, USA. Tel: +I -603-474-5.541.

A further environmentally-friendly mould- release agent from Perey Harms Corporation, is CFC-free, non-flammable, non-toxic, non- silicone, and paintable. It is UL-approved, and is ideal for use where parts are to be painted, hot stamped, or metallized. Trade- named Slide Universal it can also be used in food-contact applications and medical products. Contact: Percy Harms Corporation, 430 S, Wheeling Road, Wheeling, Ill 6@X@, USA.

George Mann & Co has introduced a range of mould release agents which contain 100% non-volatile solvent or water-based carriers and no CFC propellants. The materials are 100% non-volatile silicone or synthetic wax- based lubricants, called Actilease; they are specifically formulated for use with Mann’s Actilease system. Contact: George Mann & Co. Tel: +1-401- 884-409Q.

Nucleating agent

Geniset MD is the first version of a sorbitol- based nucleator for polyolefins to be produced in masterbatch form. It is also available in the more common powder form. The additive imparts to polyolefins, and especially to polypropylene , superior transparency, gloss, and impact strength. The material is now available in Europe and is to be supplied globally shortly. Contact: Schering AG, Waldstrasse 14, Postfach 1540, D-4709, Bergkamen,

Ol993 Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd