What types of master batches are used in the plastic industry?
From morning to evening, we come across a variety of plastic items to meet various daily chores, including water bottles, water tanks, chairs, tables, shed nets, leno bags, etc. These and hundreds of other items of plastic are manufactured by using a wide range of masterbatches, these include color masterbatch, black masterbatch, UV masterbatch, additive masterbatch, white masterbatch, and many more.
In this blog, we are going to highlight a few major masterbatches, their benefits, and how they are playing a significant role in a variety of plastic-based industries.
Before we take a deep dive into the subject, let’s learn about the masterbatch in simple language.
What is a masterbatch?
Masterbatches are specially processed solid materials used to impart colour and a wide range of properties and qualities to plastic-made items.
Let’s now shift our focus to the core subject of the blog.
Color masterbatches
Coming to this wonderful invention for plastic-based industries, is a specific blend of pigments. These are injected and mixed into raw polymers during the manufacturing process. As indicated by their name, the color masterbatches are designed to add color, shades, and specific properties to the product.
Application
Color masterbatch has found numerous applications in the plastic-based industry. Some of its applications include:
- Blow molding of bottles
- Injection moulding
- Injection molding of household items
- Lamination
- Tarpaulins
- Insulation of cables
- Electrical items
- Electronic items
Black masterbatch
This type of masterbatch is impart numerous qualities to plastic items, such as high jetness, UV protection, and safe food contact.
Application
Black masterbatch has found usage in a wide range of applications in the plastic industry, including protective films, moulding items, and PET sheets among others.
UV masterbatch
These types of masterbatches are specially designed to counter the damaging effect of UV masterbatch light. As a result, these are called as UV stabilizer and is a perfect solution to solve the degradation problems associated with exposure to sunlight.
Application
- Agricultural greenhouse film, FIBC bags, moulded crates, drums, garbage cans, garden furniture, outdoor articles etc.
- Tarpaulin, Roto moulded Water Tank, Shaded Net, etc.
- Woven sacks, HDPE/PP raffia tapes, LDPE/LLDPE/PP lamination, etc.
- All types of PP/PE-made products, etc.
White masterbatch
White is the lightest color and is achromatic in nature. It has the property to reflect all the visible wavelengths of light. Some of its famous shades include milky white, snow white, chalk white, etc.
Application
- Ideal for producing containers that store food
- Utilized for injection moulding, blow moulding, thermoplastic application
Additive masterbatches
Talking about additive masterbatches, these are concentrated in granule form. It comprises one or more additives along with a polymer-specific carrier resin. The long list comprises UV stabilizers, antioxidants, lubricants, and demoulding agents, foaming agents, antistatic agents, nucleating agents, anti-blocking agents, diffusers, laser-marking additives, IR absorbers for laser welding of plastics, mattifying agents, metal and copper deactivator, etc.
Application
- Ideal for producing packaging material
- Suitable for manufacturing consumer and automotive products
- Various products for the agriculture sector
Conclusion
We hope this blog will expand your knowledge about plastic masterbatches and their benefits for plastic industries. Having a fruitful discussion with a few leading masterbatch manufacturers in Ahmedabad will surely help you.