Difference between revisions of "Additive (adhesives, paints, and plastic)"
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| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
| 0-50 | | 0-50 | ||
| Increases the reaction rate of polymerization and decrease storage life, working life, gel time, etc.; also called curing agent, hardener, promoter and vulcanizer (for rubber) | | Increases the reaction rate of polymerization and decrease storage life, working life, gel time, etc.; also called curing agent, hardener, promoter and vulcanizer (for rubber) | ||
| − | | Used for polyesters (styrene), rubbers (sulfur compounds), along with some activators (peroxide, zinc oxide, diamines, stearic acid, etc.) | + | | Used for [[Polyester|polyesters]] ([[styrene]]), [[Rubber|rubbers]] (sulfur compounds), along with some activators (peroxide, [[zinc oxide]], diamines, [[stearic acid]], etc.) |
| Incorrect proportions and poor mixing will weaken the polymer structure | | Incorrect proportions and poor mixing will weaken the polymer structure | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
| [[antioxidant]] | | [[antioxidant]] | ||
| 0.5-3.0 | | 0.5-3.0 | ||
| − | | Protects against degradation, especially during processing | + | | Protects against degradation, especially during processing; also called stabilizer |
| − | | | + | | Phenols ([[bisphenol A]]), phosphite esters, some thioethers |
| − | | Almost all plastics | + | | Almost all plastics contain some type of stabilizers |
|- | |- | ||
| Antiskin agent | | Antiskin agent | ||
| Line 37: | Line 37: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Antistatic agent]] | | [[Antistatic agent]] | ||
| − | | | + | | 0.1-1 |
| − | | | + | | Minimize development of static charge on surfaces |
| − | | | + | | Most types oar hydrophilic and may migrate to water |
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Biocide]] | | [[Biocide]] | ||
| − | | | + | | 0.001-1 |
| Designed to destroy, deter, or control degradation from harmful organisms; also called antimicrobial | | Designed to destroy, deter, or control degradation from harmful organisms; also called antimicrobial | ||
| − | | Generally poisonous substances including [[preservative| | + | | Generally poisonous substances including [[preservative|Preservatives]], [[insecticide|Insecticides]], [[disinfectant|Disinfectants]] and [[pesticide|Pesticides]]; such as arsenic compounds, organic tin compounds (tributyl tin), triclosan; chlorinated nitrogensulfur heterocycles and 10,10' oxybisphenoarsine |
| Present in small amounts but quite toxic | | Present in small amounts but quite toxic | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Blowing agent | | Blowing agent | ||
| | | | ||
| − | | | + | | Used for [[Foam|foams]] to create open spaces |
| − | | | + | | [[Carbon dioxide]], [[pentane]], azodicarbonamide, benzene disulphonyl hydrazide |
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 69: | Line 69: | ||
| 0.001- 10 | | 0.001- 10 | ||
| Used to give color or opacity | | Used to give color or opacity | ||
| − | | Any [[dye]] or [[pigment]] | + | | Any [[dye]] or [[pigment]] including azocolorants, cobalt diacetate, Cd, Cr and Pb compounds, zinc sulfide, [[zinc oxide]], iron oxide, [[Ultramarine blue, synthetic|Ultramarine]], [[titanium dioxide]], Al and Cu metallic powders |
| − | | | + | | Fluorescent materials and dyes may migrate whereas inorganic compounds usually do not |
|- | |- | ||
| [[Defoaming agent]] | | [[Defoaming agent]] | ||
| Line 98: | Line 98: | ||
| [[Filler]] | | [[Filler]] | ||
| 0-50 | | 0-50 | ||
| − | | | + | | Change the mechanical and optical properties, while producing a less expensive product; also called bulking agents |
| − | | [[Talc]], [[chalk]], [[glass bead]], [[glass fiber]], [[carbon black]], [[carbon fiber]] | + | | [[Talc]], [[kaolin]], [[chalk]], [[barium sulfate]], [[glass bead]], [[glass fiber]], [[carbon black]], [[carbon fiber]], metal powder, wood powder, silicious earth |
| − | | Most polymers contain fillers. High | + | | Most polymers contain fillers. High levels can protect against UV rays |
|- | |- | ||
| [[Flame retardant]] | | [[Flame retardant]] | ||
| 1-30 | | 1-30 | ||
| Used to minimize burning | | Used to minimize burning | ||
| − | | Most commonly used are brominated and chlorinated paraffins, aluminum hydroxide, antimony trioxide and various | + | | Most commonly used are brominated and chlorinated paraffins, then [[aluminum hydroxide]], [[antimony trioxide]] and various [[Organophosphates|Organophosphates]] |
| Non-chlorinated organophosphates are safer but do not work as well | | Non-chlorinated organophosphates are safer but do not work as well | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 111: | Line 111: | ||
| 0.3-5 | | 0.3-5 | ||
| Minimizes degradation due to heat exposure; also called thermal stabilizer | | Minimizes degradation due to heat exposure; also called thermal stabilizer | ||
| − | | Formerly derivatives of [[lead]], [[tin]] and [[cadmium]] were used. Alternatives are barium/zinc mixtures and | + | | Formerly derivatives of [[lead]], [[tin]] and [[cadmium]] were used. Alternatives are barium/zinc mixtures and [[Calcium stearate|Calcium stearates]] |
| Primarily used in PVC which is prone to thermal degradation | | Primarily used in PVC which is prone to thermal degradation | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 117: | Line 117: | ||
| 10-40 | | 10-40 | ||
| Improved toughness and resistance to damage | | Improved toughness and resistance to damage | ||
| − | | Usually an elastomeric copolymer such as butadiene, styrene, etc. | + | | Usually an elastomeric copolymer such as [[butadiene]], [[styrene]], etc. |
| Chlorinated polyethylene is used for PVC | | Chlorinated polyethylene is used for PVC | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Light stabilizer | | Light stabilizer | ||
| 0.05-3 | | 0.05-3 | ||
| − | | Protects against UV damage by absorbing or quenching UV rays | + | | Protects against UV damage by absorbing or quenching UV rays; also called UV stabilizer |
| HALS (of ten used n polyolefins, polyethylene, polyurethane), UV blockers (such as benzotriazoles) and quenchers (usually a dye) | | HALS (of ten used n polyolefins, polyethylene, polyurethane), UV blockers (such as benzotriazoles) and quenchers (usually a dye) | ||
| Normally only used in products designed for outdoor use | | Normally only used in products designed for outdoor use | ||
| Line 128: | Line 128: | ||
| [[Lubricant]] | | [[Lubricant]] | ||
| 0.1-3 | | 0.1-3 | ||
| − | | Used to assist in the process of forming/molding plastic; also called [[Release agent| | + | | Used to assist in the process of forming/molding plastic; also called [[Release agent|Release agents]] and slip agents |
| PFASs (hazardous), [[paraffin wax]], wax ester, metal stearates ([[zinc stearate]], etc.), fatty acid amides (oleamide, erucamide, etc.) | | PFASs (hazardous), [[paraffin wax]], wax ester, metal stearates ([[zinc stearate]], etc.), fatty acid amides (oleamide, erucamide, etc.) | ||
| | | | ||
| Line 135: | Line 135: | ||
| 10-70 | | 10-70 | ||
| Provide flexibility | | Provide flexibility | ||
| − | | [[Phthalate ester|Phthalates]] are most common followed by adipate ester and | + | | [[Phthalate ester|Phthalates]] are most common, followed by adipate ester, citrate ester, and chlorinated paraffins |
| PVCs use the most plasticizers followed by cellulose acetate. Phthalates leach out with time and are considered carcinogenic | | PVCs use the most plasticizers followed by cellulose acetate. Phthalates leach out with time and are considered carcinogenic | ||
|- | |- | ||
Revision as of 15:04, 4 June 2023
Description
In terms of polymers or paints, an additive is a chemical substance, usually in small quantities, that is added to a base material for the purpose of modifying the properties of the end product. Additives change the performance (flexibility, UV resistance, etc.) or appearance (color, opacity, etc.) of the pure polymer. Plastics, adhesives, and paints often contain around 20 additives, most of which are unlisted components because they are considered trade secrets. This in effect conceals any and all toxicity interactions to humans and the environment. A secondary complication is that some of the additives are weakly bound to the polymeric matrix which can lead to separation and/or degradation. The combination of these factors means that additives have to potential to create problems in all stages of a plastics lifecycle, including preparation, handling, lifetime use, and waste disposal.
Examples of additives include:
| Additive Type | Typical concentration (%) | Description | Example compounds | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerator | 0-50 | Increases the reaction rate of polymerization and decrease storage life, working life, gel time, etc.; also called curing agent, hardener, promoter and vulcanizer (for rubber) | Used for polyesters (Styrene), rubbers (sulfur compounds), along with some activators (peroxide, Zinc oxide, diamines, Stearic acid, etc.) | Incorrect proportions and poor mixing will weaken the polymer structure |
| Adhesion promoter | tackifier | |||
| Antioxidant | 0.5-3.0 | Protects against degradation, especially during processing; also called stabilizer | Phenols (Bisphenol A), phosphite esters, some thioethers | Almost all plastics contain some type of stabilizers |
| Antiskin agent | ||||
| Antistatic agent | 0.1-1 | Minimize development of static charge on surfaces | Most types oar hydrophilic and may migrate to water | |
| Biocide | 0.001-1 | Designed to destroy, deter, or control degradation from harmful organisms; also called antimicrobial | Generally poisonous substances including Preservatives, Insecticides, Disinfectants and Pesticides; such as arsenic compounds, organic tin compounds (tributyl tin), triclosan; chlorinated nitrogensulfur heterocycles and 10,10' oxybisphenoarsine | Present in small amounts but quite toxic |
| Blowing agent | Used for foams to create open spaces | Carbon dioxide, Pentane, azodicarbonamide, benzene disulphonyl hydrazide | ||
| Clarifying agent | ||||
| Coalescing agent | ||||
| Colorant | 0.001- 10 | Used to give color or opacity | Any Dye or Pigment including azocolorants, cobalt diacetate, Cd, Cr and Pb compounds, zinc sulfide, Zinc oxide, iron oxide, Ultramarine, Titanium dioxide, Al and Cu metallic powders | Fluorescent materials and dyes may migrate whereas inorganic compounds usually do not |
| Defoaming agent | ||||
| Dispersant | ||||
| Drier | ||||
| Emulsifier | ||||
| Filler | 0-50 | Change the mechanical and optical properties, while producing a less expensive product; also called bulking agents | Talc, Kaolin, Chalk, Barium sulfate, Glass bead, Glass fiber, Carbon black, Carbon fiber, metal powder, wood powder, silicious earth | Most polymers contain fillers. High levels can protect against UV rays |
| Flame retardant | 1-30 | Used to minimize burning | Most commonly used are brominated and chlorinated paraffins, then Aluminum hydroxide, Antimony trioxide and various Organophosphates | Non-chlorinated organophosphates are safer but do not work as well |
| Heat stabilizer | 0.3-5 | Minimizes degradation due to heat exposure; also called thermal stabilizer | Formerly derivatives of Lead, Tin and Cadmium were used. Alternatives are barium/zinc mixtures and Calcium stearates | Primarily used in PVC which is prone to thermal degradation |
| Impact modifier | 10-40 | Improved toughness and resistance to damage | Usually an elastomeric copolymer such as Butadiene, Styrene, etc. | Chlorinated polyethylene is used for PVC |
| Light stabilizer | 0.05-3 | Protects against UV damage by absorbing or quenching UV rays; also called UV stabilizer | HALS (of ten used n polyolefins, polyethylene, polyurethane), UV blockers (such as benzotriazoles) and quenchers (usually a dye) | Normally only used in products designed for outdoor use |
| Lubricant | 0.1-3 | Used to assist in the process of forming/molding plastic; also called Release agents and slip agents | PFASs (hazardous), Paraffin wax, wax ester, metal stearates (Zinc stearate, etc.), fatty acid amides (oleamide, erucamide, etc.) | |
| Plasticizer | 10-70 | Provide flexibility | Phthalates are most common, followed by adipate ester, citrate ester, and chlorinated paraffins | PVCs use the most plasticizers followed by cellulose acetate. Phthalates leach out with time and are considered carcinogenic |
| Size | ||||
| Thickener | Used to prevent the sagging of a coating | Also called anti-sag agent |
Synonyms and Related Terms
additives (pl.); modifier; admixture; Additive (Deut.); additif (Fr.); aditivo (Port.)
Resources and Citations
- John N. Hahladakis, Costas A. Velis, Roland Weber, Eleni Iacovidou, Phil Purnell, 'An overview of chemical additives present in plastics: Migration, release, fate and environmental impact during their use, disposal and recycling, Journal of Hazardous Materials, V.344 (2018). link
- Monona Rossol, 'Water-Based Latex Paints' in handout for NYCOSH webinar on paints, 2019.
- Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', '2019 NYCOSH webinar on paints handout, Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
- ASTM, "Standard Terminology Relating to Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related Products", Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 6, Paints, Related Coatings and Aromatics, ASTM, D16, 7-Jan, Jul-96
- Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982
- Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Additive (Accessed Feb. 2, 2006)
- Wikipedia: |Plastic Additives (Accessed June 2023)