Additives for Polvmers March 1990

Biodegradable masterbatch in UK

It is a bluish-grey powder with a typical bulk density of approximately 1.0 &m3 and a typical bulk density of approximately 1.0 g/cm3 and a typical particle size, expressed as a Fisher Number, of about 0.90 microns.

Ammonium octamolybdate is a high purity, free flowing, white to off-white powder utilized in polymers primarily as a smoke suppressant. It is widely used in polyvinyl chloride and PVC alloy applications as a most effective smoke suppressant. Specific applications have also been developed in polyesters, and thermoplastic elastomers. It is used in transportation, construction, and wire and cable applications that must meet exacting smoke standards.

Climax Molybdenum supply the following grades of zinc borates:

ZB-112,ZB-223,ZB-237 and ZB-467

Climax zinc borates differ from one another in their zinc to boron ratio and the number of waters of hydration. The proper choice of zinc borate for a particular application is best found empirically.

Further information from:

Climax Molybdenum Ltd., 50/52, Great Eastern Street, LONDON EC2A 3EP, UK.

Polyclean, is a masterbatch that can be blended with polyolefmes during processing to produce a biodegradable film with closely controlled lifetime. It is currently manufactured only in the US under licence from Archer Midland Daniels, and imported and marketed in the UK by Epron Industries. This company has now set up full commercial drying operations to provide sufficient starch in the UK for the manufacture of 2000 tonnes a year of the masterbatch.

Glass mat reinforced The Plastics Division of BASF is to begin marketing the thermoplastics in the UK Elastopreg range of GMT materials in the UK. They are based

predominantly on polypropylene, and can be press moulded to produce strong, impact-resistant sheet components, for use mainly in the automotive sector. The range also includes nylon- based GMT with the option of either random or unidirectional fibre reinforcement, or a mixture of the two.

Laser-sensitive PBT compound

Vestodur X7060 from Huls AG in W. Germany, is a PBT compound designed fo:- laser printing. It can be pigmented in a large range of colours, and the action of the laser light changes

16 01990 Elsevier Sciince Publishers Ltd.