Judicious Additive Selection to Accomplish Different Goals, 2000 Polymers, Laminations & Coatings Conference Proceedings

R.E. King III, Ph.D--The world of polyolefins is in a constant state of continuous improvement in regard to the development of new catalysts, polymerization processes, and olefin polymer compositions. Accordingly, the polymer producers as well as the manufacturers of downstream products are interested in new developments in stabilization technology that may help to improve the physical and aesthetic properties of their products. Representative examples of improvements might include: better maintenance of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution (melt flow rates), lower initial color and better color maintenance, improving long term thermal and light stability, inhibition of gas fade discoloration, enhanced additive compatibility, resistance to interactions with other additives, pigments and modifiers, reduced taste and odor, and the suppression of ’gels’ (and other visual imperfections).

It is important to understand how to select the concentrations and ratios of these stabilizers for specific end-use applications. This allows for differentiated products and the development of new markets and opportunities. Traditional "phenol based" as well as alternative "phenol free" stabilization concepts have been explored. The relative performance of these stabilization concepts and their applicability to markets and opportunities will be discussed.