Summary
Clariant’s Metallocene Maleic Anhydride Grafted PE waxes are unique and formulated to bring forth various process benefits namely pearlescent pigment dispersions as well as enhancement of properties in polyolefin compounding like wood -filled composites & high filler loading applications. Pearlescent Pigments are a popular color option. Among the suppliers of dispersion aids for these materials, is Clariant Corp., whose fine-grain Licocene maleic anhydride (MAH)-grafted metallocene polyethylene waxes are a preferred choice. Pearlescent pigments provide a special, sparkling, visual effect, which is seen as luxurious and more finished than non-reflective pigments in articles such as bottles, cosmetics, and automotive components. However, these special effects pigments are often challenging to process consistently and economically as they can be difficult to wet out, which causes clumping, thus limiting process efficiency, the intended aesthetic effect and ultimately, the physical integrity of finished articles. To properly disperse these pigments and still attain the desired effect masterbatch producers and compounders add an excess of the pigments and easily volatile dispersants, then inadvertently impart excess shear with high rpm and aggressive screw designs. Another common practice is to oversize the pigment (pearlescent come in various flake sizes) before compounding, with the goal of hitting the target particle size needed to maintain desired appearance. These techniques often result in batch-to-batch inconsistency, reduced economics, and reductions of the desired surface gloss of finished articles, due to exudation of the dispersants, haze and reduced pearlescent particle size. Clariant’s Advanced Surface Solutions Team has developed MAH-grafted metallocene polymers, namely Licocene PE MA 4221 and PE MA 4351, which improve dispersion, reduce shear and extrusion pressure and increase output rates without dulling the surface. These achievements are explained and quantified via filter pressure value (FPV) testing, decreased speck counts (film analyses), increased color and gloss development and optimization of pigment addition levels. This is possible from the following inherent traits of the Licocene metallocene: » High strand/tensile melt strength due to high molecular weight when compared with common olefin dispersants » High percentages of MAH grafting and » Narrow molecular weight distribution courtesy of the metallocene catalyst used to control the syntheses Thus, Licocene PE Maleic Anhydride grafted metallocene waxes due to its’ exclusive chemical moiety, provides benefits in terms of superior dispersion for pigments namely pearlescent; act as an excellent coupling agent for polyolefin based highly filled applications like WPC and others. In a nutshell, adds customer benefits, superior application performance and excellent physical properties.
About the Speaker
Souvik Sengupta, employed in Clariant in BU-Additives since Year 2014 and presently as Technical Business Development handling the entire waxes (known as Advanced Surface Solutions) portfolio for plastics applications in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
Prior to Clariant, had worked in various capacities for esteemed organizations namely, Fine Organics, SABIC, Reliance Industries, and few more. Has completed 26 years of service life in plastics/polymers including a fair period in the Middle East. Possess vast experience in various polymer manufacturing, processing, and additive industry.
He is a B.Sc. (Chemistry – Hons) graduate and studied B. Tech in Polymer Science & Technology (that includes both Plastics and Rubber).
Souvik had the opportunity to present papers in various conferences & forums and feel honoured to be associated with SPE.
