Masterbatch, a crucial component in the plastic industry, serves as a specialized coloring agent. Comprising pigments or dyes, carriers, dispersants, and additives, enhances the aesthetic appeal of plastic products. This article delves into the intricacies of masterbatch. It explores its composition, types, applications, and considerations for optimal selection.
1. What is masterbatch?
Masterbatch is a plastic colorant composed of a high proportion of pigments or additives dispersed in thermoplastic resin. The selected resin should have good wettability and dispersion with the colorant. And it has good compatibility with the materials to be colored. Masterbatch, also known as the colorant, is a special colorant for polymer materials. It is mainly used in the plastic field. They consist of a carrier or vehicles, additives, pigments, or dyes. Aggregates are formed by uniformly attaching excess pigment to the resin. During processing, a small amount of masterbatch is mixed with unpigmented resin. It achieves the desired color intensity in resin or product.
2. What ingredients does masterbatch consist of?
2.1 Pigments or dyes
Including organic and inorganic types. Common organic pigments include phthalocyanine red, phthalocyanine blue, and phthalocyanine green; lightfast red; high molecular weight red, yellow, and purple; and azo red. Common inorganic pigments include cadmium red, cadmium yellow, titanium dioxide, carbon black, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, etc.
2.2 Carrier
This is the basis of the masterbatch. The special masterbatch uses the same resin as the product, ensuring the best compatibility between the two. But the flow properties of the carrier must also be considered.
2.3 Dispersants
Promote uniform dispersion of pigments and prevent clumping. The dispersant should have a lower melting point than the resin, good compatibility with the resin, and affinity with the pigment. Common dispersants include low molecular weight polyethylene waxes and stearates.
2.4 Additives
It includes flame retardants, fillers, antibacterial agents, antistatic agents, antioxidants, etc. Masterbatches generally do not contain these additives unless required by the customer.
3. What is the carrier for universal masterbatch?
Usually, the carrier for universal masterbatch granules can accommodate various types of resins for coloring. It can be low-melting-point PE, low-molecular-weight polyethylene wax, EVA, K resin, metallic soaps, or a combination of the above two or three carriers.
4. What are the carrier requirements for universal masterbatch?
Universal masterbatch generally uses resin materials as carriers. Regardless of the resin type, the basic requirements are:
Ability to disperse coloring agents evenly and form granules.
Good compatibility with the plastic being colored.
Good flowability.
When the masterbatch is used for color matching, improper carrier selection should not negatively affect the physical and mechanical properties of the plastic products.
5. What is the difference between universal masterbatch and special masterbatch?
Specialty masterbatch is made from the same resin specified by the user for the product being produced. For example, PP masterbatch and ABS masterbatch use PP and ABS as carriers respectively. The carrier of the special masterbatch matches the resin of the product to ensure good compatibility. Universal-purpose masterbatches, on the other hand, use resin as a carrier. The resin is usually low melting point PE. But in addition to its own carrier resin, it can also be used for coloring other resins. Although universal masterbatch is more convenient, it also has many disadvantages. So it is recommended to use a special masterbatch.
6. Why don’t many companies produce universal masterbatch?
Universal masterbatch has many disadvantages. Most well-known masterbatch companies in the world do not produce universal purpose masterbatch. Universal masterbatch has limited versatility, poor technical indicators, and low economic benefits. Specific questions include:
Poor predictability of coloring effects: The coloring effects of general masterbatch may vary in different plastics. This results in poor predictability.
Negative effects on other properties of plastic products: especially strength, leading to deformation and warping. This is especially evident in engineering plastics.
Higher cost: General-purpose masterbatch often uses high-temperature resistant pigments to achieve versatility. But it results in waste.
Masterbatch primarily serves the purpose of coloring. But can it also have functions such as flame retardant, filling, antistatic, antioxidant, and UV resistance? If required by the factory or customer, masterbatch can incorporate some of these functions. Sometimes, even in the absence of specific requests, masterbatch companies may suggest adding certain additives. Such as brighteners, it is used to meet product requirements, albeit at an increased cost.
7. What is the difference between masterbatch and plastic pellets?
Masterbatch is the raw material for plastic colorants. It has been clarified previously. Plastic pellets can refer to a wide range of particles. Includes all granular plastics and their products mixed with other additives. These cover new materials, recycled materials, masterbatch, ground materials, etc.
8. What is the difference between pigment powder and masterbatch?
8.1 Fundamental difference
Pigment powder is the precursor, while masterbatch is the evolved form. Masterbatch is a product obtained by pre-dispersing pigment powder. In a way, masterbatch is an evolution. Usually exhibits superior performance.
8.2 Price
Masterbatch with better performance usually has a higher price. This price difference is predetermined in nature. Impact on the environmentThe production of pigment powder produces pollution. A skilled technician is required to ensure proper dispersion of the pigment powder. Avoid dust pollution. Masterbatch, as an evolved form, has solved this contamination problem. It causes no pollution at all.
8.3 Convenient
Masterbatch production typically requires the smallest batch sizes. So a certain transaction volume must be met to achieve optimal production. Pigment powders, on the other hand, are more flexible. Suitable for small batches and diverse coloring needs. The color-matching cycle is shorter and the interaction speed is faster.
9. The difference between antibacterial masterbatch and color masterbatch
Antibacterial masterbatch and color masterbatch are both masterbatchs used as additives in plastic processing. So, what is the difference between these two types of masterbatch?
9.1Purpose
Masterbatch is used for coloring plastics to give plastic products different color properties. The main purpose of an antibacterial masterbatch is to give plastics antibacterial properties. Enhance its resistance to microbial invasion.
9.2 Raw materials
Masterbatch is composed of colorant, carrier, and dispersant. Antibacterial masterbatch is composed of antibacterial agents, carriers, dispersants, and coupling agents.
9.3 Price
For products from the same manufacturer, color masterbatch is usually cheaper than antibacterial masterbatch. Although color masterbatches and antimicrobial masterbatches are different, there are also dual-functional masterbatches. That combines coloring and antimicrobial properties. These are called antimicrobial masterbatches.
10. Is masterbatch harmful to the human body?
Masterbatch is a new type of polymer material colorant, mainly composed of basic resin and pigment additives. It does not harm. Some masterbatches have even passed environmental testing standards such as SGS. Whether masterbatch is harmful to the human body depends on its other functions. For example, materials used in food and children’s toys should be non-toxic. Electronic plastic products should have good insulation properties. Outdoor plastic products should have good weather resistance and aging properties. The masterbatch does not react with resin and various additives. It has strong heat resistance and minimal migration. So, when selecting masterbatch, attention should be paid to choosing varieties with good heat resistance.
