CESA BROCHURE - Clariant

A Global Portfolio ofPerformance EnhancementsUV StabilizersLight radiation and oxygen in the air triggerdecomposition processes in plastics thatnot only change their appearance, butalso adversely affect their mechanicaland physical properties. Light stabilizersare used to protect plastics from discoloration,embrittlement and eventualdegradation caused by exposure toultraviolet light. Applications includeagricultural films, construction materials,lawn and garden equipment, signageand many other products used outdoors,as well as products exposed to fluorescentlight and filtered daylight indoors.Flame RetardantsFlame retardant additives make plasticssafer by making them more difficult toignite and by controlling their burningbehavior. Widely used in transportation,construction, appliance and electronicapplications, flame retardants helpmanufacturers meet UL and other regulatoryrequirements by minimizing flamepropagation, smoke and heat generation.AntistatsAntistatic agents prevent a buildup ofstatic electricity on polymer surfaces.Static charges not only attract dust anddirt, but can also cause sheet or filmto cling, stacked polystyrene cups tostick and powder to bridge. A suddendischarge can create sparks that maydamage products such as computerchips and also invite risk of explosion inhazardous areas. Antistats help avoidsuch problems, while also improvingprocessability and mold release.Antiblocking/Slip AgentsAntiblocking and slip agents modify thesurface of polymeric sheet or film, makingit rougher or more slippery. They areused to prevent thin films,sheets and thermoformedarticles from adheringto each other and to themetal surfaces of thermoformingequipment duringprocessing.Antislip AgentsFilled polyethyleneheavy-duty bags have atendency to slip and slidewhen stacked in layers,such as on pallets. Theaddition of antislip agentsimproves stackability byroughening the surfaceof the film, reducing itsslip properties.Corrosion InhibitorsTypically added to packaging films,corrosion inhibitors protect theappearance and extend the servicelife of metal parts and components.AntimicrobialsWithout antimicrobials, bacteria andspores can grow on the surface ofplastics, resulting in staining, odorand other undesirable characteristics,including premature product failure.Antimicrobials protect plastic film, fibersand molded products against bacterialgrowth, fungi, mold and mildew.AntioxidantsAntioxidants, often called heat stabilizers,are organic substances thatinhibit or retard polymer oxidation andits degrading effects. These includediscoloration, change in viscosity, lossof physical properties, loss of clarity,and surface crazing or cracking.Processing AidsLLDPE, LLPDE-rich blends and metalloceneresins are often extremelydifficult to extrude due to severeproblems with melt fracture duringprocessing. Processing aids aredesigned to coat the inner surface ofthe extrusion die, reducing frictionbetween the melt and the metal tofacilitate processing.Laser MarkingAlthough several laser sourcesare used to mark plastics, the mostcommon is the Nd-YAG system.Extremely flexible, it works byscanning or tracing, resulting in anexcellent fine and indelible print.1