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Phthalate-based plasticizers are used in situations where good resistance to water
and oils is required. Adipate-based plasticizers are used for low-temperature or
resistance to ultraviolet light. Trimellitates are used in automobile interiors and other
applications where resistance to high temperature is required. They have extremely
low volatility.
Biodegradable Plasticizers: Used to make plastics softer and more flexible and to
enhance the degradability of the product. The high molecular weight of commercial
grades of polymers render them too hydrophobic and, therefore, very resistant to
direct microbial attack. A reduction of the polymer chain length from its initial value
of around 250,000 to a value between 4,000 and 10,000 increases its intrinsic
microbial accessibility and enables subsequent biodigestion. Biodegradable
additives initially catalyse the oxodegradation of the polymer chains, which causes
a serial reduction in polymer molecular weight which ultimately results in acute
embrittlement, microfragmentation and biodigestion. Oxodegradation causes the
formation of a carbonyl group at the point of every scission which then promotes the
growth of microbial colonies to expedite the second biodegradation stage. Used in
all types of film and has found application in household rubbish and trash bags, food
packaging, check out bags, bubble wrap, nappy sacks, magazine, and many others
Antimicrobials or Biocides: Polymeric materials in certain favourable conditions
can experience growth of mold mildew, fungi, algae and bacteria on its surface.
Such development causes allergic reactions, unpleasant odours, staining,
discolouration, embrittlement and premature product failure. Thus to overcome this
Antimicrobials are integrated into plastic products, when human or animal health is
in question as they resist and control such build ups on surface of plastics. However
it is important to note that the biocide protects the material, not the user of the final
product. They find applications in Food preparation products, medical gowns and
drapes, Hospital flooring/Walls, Medical Devices, Automotive, Bed coverings,
textiles, Bathroom accessories, White Goods, Furniture, Construction, fibre, textile
and houseware.
Fragrances and deodorants: are added to plastic in masterbatch form during
processing. They embedded in consumer goods such as laundry baskets, storage
containers and sink stoppers to impart scent into the environment or used for
masking odour in garbage bags or dust bin containers.
VCI additive: Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor master batches find applications in films
which are used to protect ferrous and non ferrous metal components from
corrosion. The film with VCI will provide good corrosion protection by releasing
vapors which forms a protective layer on the surface of the metal part until it is
removed.
Fillers / Extenders: Natural substances are primarily common inorganic mineral
powders, added to improve processing, rigidity, dimensional stability, hiding power
and costs. They literally increase the overall "bulk" of the plastic. Most common are
calcium carbonate, Kaolin, Magnesium hydroxide, Alumina trihydrate, clays and
silicates, often used in quantities exceeding the polymers themselves. The largest
use is in vinyls, with smaller amounts in polyesters and other plastics families.
Reinforcement: A material added to plastic materials to improve their rigidity,

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