Thermoplastic compounds
Description
Thermoplastic compounds are a class of material whose base resin is of thermoplastic nature, formed by polymer chains interacting through intermolecular interactions (Van Der Waals forces) and generating a 3D structure, more or less entangled. Depending on the type and intensity of these interactions, the polymer can present amorphous and/or crystalline structures. Polymer chains of the first category are generally randomly arranged and responsible for the elastic behaviour of the material, whereas the second ones are more organised and tight, yield the materials resistance and strength.
The spectrum of properties that this class of materials can present is definitely vast in terms of mechanical, thermal, electrical properties and transformation technology. Along with the base resin there are mineral fillers, fibres, modifiers and flame-retardants affording the specific requirements of each single application and stabilising additives to prevent the deterioration during the process and the final application of parts. The high throughput typical of thermoplastic compounds transformation processes often requires the employment of process aids such as plasticisers.
Characteristics
The main properties of thermoplastic materials are:
- Thermoformability
- Lightness
- Outstanding resistance or flexibility depending on the application
- Excellent finishing quality (surface, details, touch)
- Outstanding formulation versatility
- High or low thermal conductivity based on the formulation
- High resistance of electrical conductivity by using insulating or conductive charges
- Ease in colouring
- Long life
Processing
Thermoplastic materials are generally processed by injection moulding, blow moulding, film casting, extrusion and pultrusion. Thermoplastic compounds do not require a reticulation process and are generally supplied in granules that soften and get fluid upon heating. This characteristic allows recycling the material without damaging too much the physical properties.
Some applications
- Car radiators
- Emergency switches
- Electrical plugs
- Electrical appliance bodies (e.g. iron)
- Disposable plates and glasses
- Sheets for packaging
- Hoses
- Cases
- Shutters
- Floor tiles
- Electrical panel boxes
Processing
Thermoplastic materials are generally processed by injection moulding, blow moulding, film casting, extrusion and pultrusion. Thermoplastic compounds do not require a reticulation process and are generally supplied in granules that soften and get fluid upon heating. This characteristic allows recycling the material without damaging too much the physical properties.
Production
Some of the thermoplastic materials that MESGO Iride Colors produces are:
- Polystyrene based hyper-filled compounds (PS), polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE), EVA.
- Flame-resistant compounds with or halogen-free
- Rigid or elastomerised polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Conductive compounds based on polyolefin and PVC
Some applications
- Car radiators
- Emergency switches
- Electrical plugs
- Electrical appliance bodies (e.g. iron)
- Disposable plates and glasses
- Sheets for packaging
- Hoses
- Cases
- Shutters
- Floor tiles
- Electrical panel boxes