Effect of nucleating agents
By using nucleating agents the solidification process of a semi-crystalline molten PP, PE, PA ore PET polymer is influenced positively and accelerated.
So firstly PP solidifies at temperatures articulately below the melting temperature and builds thereby a few, up to 100 µm big crystals, so-called spherolites.
If you add a Nucleating-Masterbatch to the polymer melt, it acts as additional crystallisation germs and ensures that the solidification already effects at temperatures clearly above the melting temperature and forms many, small and uniform spherolites at the same time.
Advantages by the use of nucleating agents
The achievable effect in PP is the greatest. The re-crystallization temperature moves up to 30 °C, so that during an injection moulding process a demoulding of the finish parts can be effected clearly earlier and consequently a reduction of the cycle time up to 30 % is possible.
In addition, the finished parts show a clearly higher crystallization. Again, this fact is shown in the increase of the stability (E module) and heat deflection temperatures as well as in a more consistent shrinkage, and consequently lower delay. The chemical resistance and the barrier properties (e. g. unwanted oxygen-release) are likewise improved.
A special group of Nucleating-Masterbatches, so-called clarifiers, provide for accumulation of especially homogeneous and microcrystalline structures, so that in case of light absorption through thin finished parts there is no light scattering and consequently the transparency and surface brilliance, e. g. of PP, are significantly increased.
Additives
In the meantime, there are some highly efficient nucleating agents, also used in the production of masterbatches. For a selection in a concrete application, efficiency, speed, compatibility, smell and taste as well as the price play a major role. However, the achievable benefit, e. g. the higher productivity by lower cycle times, justifies the additional costs by using a Nucleating-Masterbatch.
Food contact approval
In general, nearly all of the active agents are admitted within the usual dosage, according to the BfR-recommendations.
The particular data can be taken out of the product information sheets.
Approvals of other authorities, especially FDA- and EC-approvals are present in most cases and are available, if required.
Do you have questions or do you need detailed product information?
Please contact us!
