Chemical New Polymer Additives Manufacturers

New Polymer Additives: Flame Retardants and Peroxide Series for General-Purpose Plastics

The development and use of new polymer additives have significantly advanced the properties and functionalities of general-purpose plastics. Among the most critical additives are flame retardants and peroxides, each playing a vital role in enhancing the safety, stability, and performance of plastic materials.

Flame Retardants in Polymers
Flame retardants are chemicals added to polymers to inhibit or resist the spread of fire. Their primary function is to delay ignition and reduce the rate of combustion, thereby providing more time for evacuation and reducing the risk of fire-related injuries and damages. The incorporation of flame retardants into plastics is essential for applications where fire safety is a critical concern, such as in construction materials, electrical and electronic devices, automotive parts, and textiles.

Flame retardants must be carefully selected and formulated to ensure they do not compromise the mechanical properties of the plastic or pose health hazards. The trend towards non-toxic, eco-friendly flame retardants is growing, driven by regulatory pressures and consumer awareness.

Peroxide Series Additives
Peroxides are another critical category of polymer additives used primarily for initiating polymerization reactions and modifying polymer structures. These organic peroxides decompose to generate free radicals, which initiate the polymerization of monomers into polymers or cross-linking of polymer chains.

In the context of general-purpose plastics, peroxides serve several key functions:

Cross-Linking Agents: Peroxides are used to create cross-linked polymers, which exhibit enhanced thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical properties. For instance, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is widely used in plumbing, electrical insulation, and medical devices.

Curing Agents: In rubber and elastomer manufacturing, peroxides facilitate the vulcanization process, transforming raw rubber into durable, elastic materials.

Polymer Modification: Peroxides can be used to modify the molecular weight and branching of polymers, tailoring properties like melt flow index, tensile strength, and impact resistance. This is particularly important in producing high-performance thermoplastics and engineering plastics.

Controlled Degradation: In recycling processes, peroxides can induce controlled degradation of polymers to facilitate their reprocessing into new products.

The choice of peroxide and its concentration are crucial factors that influence the efficiency and outcome of the polymer modification processes. Commonly used peroxides include dicumyl peroxide (DCP), benzoyl peroxide (BPO), and tert-butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB), each selected based on specific processing requirements and desired properties.