- 7 June 2007 -
Preventing bacterial growth: biocides and antimicrobials
Polymers and many additives that are used to provide useful properties in compounds are vulnerable to attack by micro-organisms. However, antimicrobials can be added to plastics to increase their resistance, which will maintain properties and boost product life. Plastics Additives & Compounding rounds up some of the products on the market in this important field.

Design trends in colour and effects push plastics forward
Adding colour and special effects to plastics continues to expand their role and potential applications. Jennifer Markarian reports on how design and fashion trends are shaping the market.

Compounders smell success in packaging
The use of fragrances and deodorants in plastics compounds is on the increase with key applications in packaging in particular. Jennifer Markarian reports on some of the applications already on the market and describes some of the difficulties encountered in their incorporation in plastic compounds.

Steady growth predicted for biocides
Protecting plastics and preventing stain and odour growth have been the main requirements of an antimicrobial. However, consumer perception that products containing biocides can prevent the spread of diseases is also driving growth and prompting new developments with manufacturers. Jennifer Markarian reports.

Flame retardants for polyamides - new developments and processing concerns
Polyamides are now widely found in a variety of high performance plastics applications in automotive, electrical and electronic and other industrial markets, for instance. Flame retardants play an increasingly important role in extending the reach of polyamides in these areas. Jennifer Markarian examines some of the issues that need to be taken into account when making polyamide compounds flame retardant.

Advances in PVC heat and light stabilization
Stabilizers play a key role in the PVC industry, where the market is driven by both regulatory and cost-performance issues. Jennifer Markarian reviews some of the latest developments in heat and light stabilization for PVC.

Mineral modifiers take on new roles
Minerals used as fillers in plastic compounds have traditionally been used to reduce material costs by replacing a portion of the polymer with a less expensive material. However, nowadays many functional fillers or mineral modifiers are required to modify processing characteristics or finished part properties. Many are now also being used to reduce the level of more expensive additives such as pigments, flame retardants and impact modifiers. Jennifer Markarian reports on the changing face of fillers.