Plastics Additives & Compounding

Latest News

Smithers Rapra appoints new business manager
Mike Nichols has been appointed business manager – Physical Testing for independent polymer consultants Smithers Rapra.
New director for Dutch compounder
Frank Heinen has been appointed commercial director at Transmare Compounding in Roermond, The Netherlands.
Board changes at Clariant
Clariant has made changes to its executive committee.
Global Thermoplastics integrated with Fortis
Global Thermoplastics, LP, a manufacturer of engineered compounds for plastic moulding applications based in Texas, USA, has been acquired by a US private equity fund.
Fluoropolymer masterbatches for wire and cable
Custom engineered thermoplastic compounder RTP Company has commercialized a line of melt processable fluoropolymer (MPFP) colour masterbatches for the wire and cable industry.

Implementing REACH - the challenges ahead
The European Parliament has adopted the proposals for the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals. Plastics Additives & Compounding reports on what is now required to comply with REACH.
Members' Content
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.
Wire and cable compounding: meeting the production requirements
Compounding for wire and cable applications makes a number of varied demands on extrusion machinery. Jennifer Markarian looks at some of the equipment on the market and discusses some of the issues that need to be considered by the wire and cable manufacturer.
Members' Content
Operating in China – what are your options?
Up until recently setting up a manufacturing operation in China has meant a joint venture. However, changes in Chinese law now permit wholly foreign owned entities. Jennifer Markarian reports on how various companies are increasing their manufacturing presence in this rapidly expanding market.