K 2013: New formulations demonstrate technical innovation

Colloids will display products that it says demonstrate technical innovations in masterbatch and additives at K 2013.

The first of the company’s recent additions is the ‘Pace’ series, which includes masterbatches based on solvent black (nigrosine) and/or carbon black as well as formulations offering improvements in frictional properties or heat stabilisation.

Secondly, the all-new ‘Sustain’ line of bio-based masterbatches for environmental sustainability will be introduced to visitors at the show. Typically made from corn starch or cane sugar and available in either universal or polymer-specific (polyamide, polyethylene and polyesters including PLA) masterbatches, Colloids says the Sustain range is fully recyclable and will not impact on the quality if mixed with fossil-derived polymers of the same type, unlike biodegradable polymers.

Additionally, Colloids will shows its ‘e-tec’ range of antistatic, dissipative and conductive compounds. These are designed for applications where varying degrees of permanent electrical conductivity are required.

The company will also be discussing the doubling of its standard range of lead-free masterbatches for film, which it says are all suitable for food contact applications in the EU as well as new developments in colour and special effects for film, including “mood-enhancing” seasonal palettes for 2014.

Colloids has recently made significant investments in plant, including one million euro for a complete new twin screw extrusion line featuring high torque and high volume extrusion, with multiple loss-in weight feeders in addition to an underwater strand pelletizing technology (particularly suited to high temperature crystalline polymers) for more uniform geometry.

In addition, the company has undergone major re-structuring that has seen both its production sites in the UK brought together under the Colloids brand, as well as further strengthening in key company functions such as R&D, quality, black and colour development and regulatory affairs.

Russell Livesey, Managing Director of Colloids commented: “Every day Colloids works hard making the most economically viable masterbatch – with all the right attributes – readily available in the right quantities at the right place and time: as I and our team look forward to explaining further at K in Düsseldorf.”

Colloids will be exhibiting in Hall 8A Stand D01 at K 2013.