BASF has launched a new range of additives to improve the properties of recycled polymers.
According to the company, recycled plastics can contain impurities and polymer contaminants that accelerate polymer degradation and change the material properties.
The company’s new IrgaCycle range includes additives that can help increase the percentage of recycled content in end-use applications such as packaging, automotive and mobility, and building and construction.
‘The production of plastics from mechanical recycling is expected to almost triple by 2030, driven by improved technologies and regulation. This corresponds to a growth of around 10% per year,’ says Dr. Thomas Kloster, president of BASF Performance Chemicals.
The range includes IrgaCycle PS 030 G, which can improve long-term thermal stability in rigid applications, mainly for recycled HDPE, polyolefins and mixed polymers; IrgaCycle PS 031 G, which improves processing and long-term thermal stability of recycled LDPE and LLDPE for incorporation into films and related flexible packaging applications; IrgaCycle PS 032 G which provide processing stability and long-term thermal protection for recycled PP and polyolefin blends containing impurities; IrgaCycle UV 033 DD combines weathering stability with enhanced thermal and processing stability for reclaimed HDPE and PP blends for re-use in outdoor goods; and IrgaCycle XT 034 DD which helps processing, long-term heat stability and helps neutralize impurities of the ‘first life’ of the plastic, and with this improves mechanical properties of polyolefin recyclates.
This story uses material from BASF, with editorial changes made by Materials Today.
