What are Different Types of Masterbatches?
What is Masterbatch?
In very simple terms Masterbatches are meticulously blended, concentrated mixture of pigments, additives and carrier polymer that adds life to plastics. They make plastics colorful, vibrant, durable and enhances its functionality.
The lifecycle of masterbatch starts with selection of the right polymer also known as carrier resin. Then depending on the desired performance or end application requirement pigments, additives and other reinforcing agents are selected and mixed in proportionate quantities in specialized machinery. The mixture is heated, melted, and then cooled so it can be easily cut into uniform pellets or granules.
What are the types of Masterbatch?
Masterbatches are generally differentiated into the following categories:
White Masterbatch – White masterbatch are used to give pure white color and opacity to plastics. They contain TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) as common pigment due to its high refractive index and excellent opacity. For uniform color dispersion white masterbatches are chosen based on their compatibility with the base resin. They are used in a wide variety of products where a clean and pristine appearance is required.
Black Masterbatch- Black masterbatches are used in automotive interior and exterior, electrical components & packaging material. It is formulated with black carbon particles dispersed in carrier resins. They offer good UV resistance and endurance for outdoor applications and protect from degradation. Black masterbatch enhance the aesthetics for a wide range of plastic goods while improving their functional properties.
Colored Masterbatch – Colored masterbatches contain pigments to color plastic. The coloring agents are dispersed in carrier resins, a thermoplastic polymer like PP or PE, along with additives for uniform distribution and enhanced functional properties. Colored masterbatches are a cost-effective way of adding color to plastic than incorporating color directly in form of raw pigment. This also helps in reducing manufacturing complexity.
Colored masterbatches are primarily available in the following colours:
1. Grey- Grey masterbatch allows manufacturers in adding a neutral and sophisticated aesthetics to plastic applications. They are commonly used in all sorts of industrial components, appliances, pipes, and automotive fittings.
2. Green- Green masterbatches are used for plastic applications that aim to convey an environment friendly appearance.
3. Red- Red masterbatches are specialized concentrates used to add a consistent and uniform red colour to plastic. They can be designed to improve UV stability, prevent degradation, and withstand heat. Specific manufacturers often offer customization to meet specific colour needs of the end application.
4. Voilet – Voilet masterbatches are used across industry to add hues of purple to plastic. They improve properties and enhance appeal of end application.
5. Blue- Vibrant shades of blue in endless plastic applications are achieved through blue masterbatch. Usually, a composition of carrier resins and blue pigment with additives, blue masterbatches can be formulated according to product requirements.
6. Brown – Brown masterbatches are used to give plastic products a neutral, earthy aesthetic.
7. Orange- An eye-catching colour, orange masterbatches have wide range of applications as they enhance the appeal of final application. They contain high quality combination of pigments or concentrated orange pigments with carrier resins and additives depending upon application to protect the colour from fading in outdoor applications and to enhance resistance properties.
8. Yellow- Yellow masterbatches find applications in various industries such as packaging, automotive, toys, and various consumer goods. These concentrates are used to add a beautiful bright yellow color to plastic products.
Additive Masterbatch - Additive masterbatches are used to enhance properties of plastic for processing and end application. It is a concentrated formulation that can include pigments, UV stabilizers, anti-static, anti-fog, anti-slip agents, flame retardants and anti-foam agents. Additives masterbatches are used to ensure consistency, uniformity, and quality in plastics.
Masterbatches can be also differentiated based on carrier resins. Few common Carrier resins used in masterbatches are:
1. PP - Polypropylene masterbatch are used in applications where stiffness, heat resistance and chemical resistance are important. It has a good compatibility with various polymer matrices.
2. PE– Polyethylene as carrier can be categorized into Low density PE or LDPE and high-density PE or HDPE. They are versatile and compatible with a wide range of polymers & are typically used in pigmented masterbatches.
3. PVC – PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride resins are used for PVC based material to ensure compatibility.
4. EVA- Ethylene Vinyl Acetate carrier resins are generally used in additive masterbatches. They are effective where flexibility and adhesion are required.
5. Polystyrene (PS) – It is used for applications where clarity and rigidity are required.
Where can you get sustainable masterbatches in India?
Cosmo Speciality Chemicals is a stop solution for innovation led products that keeps up with customer needs. CSC is the one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of sustainable PP and PE based white masterbatches in India.
For more details connect with our masterbatch experts today!