Additives are essential for the industrial application of polymers as plastics. This book is intended as a practical introduction to plastics additives. It is focused on how their mechanism of action and chemical structure relate to performance, enabling a better understanding of how and why the current additives work, as well as market and research trends. Specific examples are included to illustrate the general observations.
The range of additives covered in the book is broad, including antioxidants, light stabilizers, heat stabilizers, plasticizers, lubricants, processing aids, impact modifiers, antimicrobials, colorants, flame retardants, antistatic agents, fillers and reinforcements, and chemical blowing agents, among others. Each chapter is logically structured to include (a) key terms and definitions, (b) function in plastic materials, (c) main examples and their chemistry, (d) mechanism of action, (e) chemical structure – performance relationships, (f) test methods, (g) toxicological profile and safe handling, and (h) market and research trends. It is intended for a range of target groups, spanning industry, including those seeking a new role in industry (a resource for pre- and on-the-job training), and academia, including researchers, lecturers, and students (an educational tool for teaching and learning).
Practical introduction to the world of plastic additives – substances that are essential for the use of polymers as plastic materials
Covers all important types of plastic additives
Focuses on how their mechanism of action and chemical structure relate to performance so that readers can understand the most important principles
Includes market and research trends with illustrative examples
Systematic and logical chapter structure facilitates learning
Peter Frenkel
Peter Frenkel, Ph.D., is former Vice President of Technology at Galata Chemicals, Danbury, CT, where his focus included development of new PVC heat stabilizers, plasticizers, and bio-based polymer additives, as well as business development. He has extensive industry experience in plastics additives and bio-based and renewable materials.
antimicrobials antioxidants antistatic agents colorants compounding degradation flame retardants fluorescent agents heat stabilizers impact modifiers light stabilizers lubricants lubricators plasticizers polymers