Resin Modifier

In resin  systems, additives adapt the base resins for particular applications and, thus, help differentiate products in the marketplace. Sometimes known as modifiers — a class distinction more descriptive of their function — they variously alter or fine-tune one or more of the system’s native processing or performance attributes.

Additive suppliers cite several trends in additive product development. One is sustainability. With an eye to increased regulatory scrutiny, many new developments have been stimulated by a desire for renewable content that is green (bio-derived) or recycled/recyclable. Another trend is a preference for reengineering. Salvatore Monte, president of Kenrich Petrochemicals Inc. (Bayonne, N.J.), says that to reduce regulatory exposure and product-development costs, many companies prefer to rework an existing product rather than develop a new one. He draws a parallel to the pharmaceuticals industry.

“Like drugs, additives are now subjected to a much more rigorous global registration process than just three decades ago — and the amount of time and toxicology study costs involved really require a ‘killer app’ that will justify the investment in a really new additive. So, blends, hybrids and new combinations and applications of existing additives will trump truly ‘new’ materials — unless a new additive is so disruptive that it cannot be held back because ever-increasing performance demands require its use.”

What’s clear is that both new and renewed resin modifiers are breaking new ground in process and part-performance optimization.