2Additives for Polymers March 2013

MATERIALS

Axel launches internal mould release additives for DICY-cured epoxy resin

Axel Plastics Research Laboratories of Woodside, NY, USA, has announced two

new internal mould release additives for epoxy resin cured with dicyanamide (DICY): MoldWiz®

INT-1322 and INT-1329. According to the com-pany, DICY-cured epoxies are by nature among the most tenacious in their bonding properties, prompting many manufacturers to search for more-effective ways to release DICY epoxy res-ins, compounds, prepregs and laminates.

MoldWiz INT-1322 and INT-1329 are proprietary synergistic blends, comprised of organic fatty amine and acid derivatives with surface active agents. The products are 100% active and generally effective at addition levels of 0.5-4.0% based on resin system weight and depend-ent on process, fillers etc., Axel reports. MoldWiz INT-1322 has been proven to have no impact on the cure kinetics of immidizole- or amine-accelerated DICY, the company claims. For non-accelerated DICY-cured epoxy resin, it offers INT-1329, which is formulated for the higher process temperatures associated with these DICY systems. Initial evaluations of the two new internal mould release additives indicate that they have a good pot life in resin mixes and provide good release from moulds and substrates, making them ‘equally suitable for use in epoxy resin, epoxy compounds and prepregs’, according to Axel. ‘In the past, many internal mould release formulations proved ineffective, often killing the cure of the DICY resin and leaving the polymer under-cured and tacky’, a company spokesman adds.

Founded in 1941, Axel is an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer of proprietary mould releases and process aid additives. According to the company, all of its prod-ucts are REACH compliant and formulated from raw materials that comply with major worldwide chemical regulatory lists.

Contact: Axel Plastics Research Laboratories Inc, Woodside, NY, USA.

Tel: +1 718 672 8300, Web: www.axelplastics.com

Ampacet unveils black effect masterbatches

US masterbatch firm Ampacet Corp has introduced Nuanced Blacks™, a new line

of effect masterbatches featuring black accentuated with ‘subtle plays’ of colour.

The masterbatch range comprises Apocalyptic Purple, Passion Crush, Machined Green, Hush Hush Gold, Shadowed Brown and Blued Mood. The combination of black with colour offers ‘dramatic, fresh complexity’ and adds mystery to a moulded part, according to Ampacet color insight manager Linda Carroll.

Established in 1937, Ampacet today operates 21 manufacturing sites located in 15 countries throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe, as well as a number of technical and colour development centres. The company is headquartered in Tarrytown, NY, USA, and employs more than 1900 people worldwide.

Contact: Ampacet Corp, Tarrytown, NY, USA. Tel: +1 914 631 6600,

Web: www.ampacet.com

Trinity Resources offers new mineral reinforcing filler & extender for plastics

Newfoundland-based Trinity Resources Ltd has introduced a new series of inert mineral

reinforcing fillers and extenders – Altiplus™ and Altibright™. They are produced from the mineral pyrophyllite (hydrous aluminium silicate), which has the same monoclinic crystal structure as talc (hydrous magnesium silicate). The macrocrystal-line platelet materials have a high aspect ratio and provide a number of ‘excellent properties’ including high brightness, stiffness and chemical resistance, according to the company.

The physical properties of pyrophyllite are the same as talc, while chemical properties are similar to those of clay, Trinity says. Produced from a large deposit located in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, the company’s products are asbestos-free, and reportedly possess ‘consist-ently unique’ high dry brightness (Y 92-96) and high wet

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