Black-Masterbatches
Technically sophisticated carbon black concentrates
Quality is in the detail. This is especially true for carbon black concentrates. At first glance, one may look like the other, but the subtle differences are hidden beneath the surface. Our standard portfolio consists of around 20 black masterbatches, which differ not only in terms of carrier and carbon black quality, but above all in their suitability for use in a wide range of applications. With AF-Carbon® you benefit from an extensive portfolio of technically sophisticated carbon black concentrates.
Extract from our extensive AF-Carbon® product portfolio
Note:
*EU 10/2011 Certificates of Conformity are available on request
** FDA certificates of conformity are available on request
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What is still missing is the practical test?
Not all black is the same
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Technically sophisticated carbon black concentrate for polyamides
The challenge when colouring polyamides, especially with black colouring, is to maintain the mechanical properties. This is because carbon black in particular can have a negative impact on these properties. Due to the high specific surface area of the carbon black particles, they adhere to each other and form agglomerates. Good dispersion is necessary to ensure that these agglomerates are as small as possible.
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In contrast to the use of polyethylene-based masterbatches, our polyamide-based masterbatch offers you higher mechanical values, such as the breaking stress shown.
AF-Carbon® PA 950610 black
Carbon black content: 25 %
Recommended dosage: 2-3 %
Temperature resistance: 320 °C
Conformity: EU10/2011
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Carbon black-free masterbatches
The recyclability of plastics is one of the most important issues in the context of sustainability. To ensure that an increasingly higher percentage of coloured packaging can be recycled, we have expanded our AF-Carbon® product portfolio in particular. The main focus here was on the greatest possible colour depth and competitiveness.
We have taken up the challenge of "black even without carbon black" and are launching a polyethylene-based product.
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Why soot-free at all?
While carbon black pigments did not interfere with the previous recycling process, the new sorting lines work on the basis of automated sorting systems using NIR (near-infrared) detection. This involves irradiating the packaging with infrared light, which reflects the light in different ways for different polymers. The so-called NIR sensor distinguishes between plastic types, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and various other common packaging plastics.
However, if the coloured plastic parts contain soot, the NIR rays are largely absorbed and therefore cannot be properly detected or differentiated from one another. This means that the sorting purity required for an optimised recycling process is not guaranteed.
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Highly colourful laser marking
Our laser additives are not only impressive in terms of colour, but also technically.
Laser markings are being used more and more frequently in industrial applications, as they are considered to be particularly reliable due to their high contrast and excellent contour sharpness. They are ideal for permanent marking as they are waterproof, abrasion and heat resistant, lightfast and also tamper-proof. In selected applications, the use of laser-sensitive additives in plastics is a clear advantage.
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A laser marking that can be clearly recognised by a reader or even the naked eye significantly speeds up further processing. The marked parts are easier to sort and can therefore be allocated and processed more quickly.
With our laser-markable black masterbatches, which enable a colourful colour change. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, it is also possible to implement an individual design with colourful marking on a black background.
On the right you can see a list of the variations we have developed so far.
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Laser-transparent black masterbatches
Laser transmission welding, in which two types of thermoplastic materials are joined together, is a process that has been established in industry for many years: The transparent joining partner is irradiated by the laser and the absorbent partner is heated. The absorbent plastic melts the transparent joining area and is pressed together using a suitable device. Examples of applications can be found in medical technology, the automotive industry, E+E applications and household appliances.
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Laser welding is a non-contact welding process that is used when the components to be joined have very tight tolerances. In the so-called black/black arrangement, the base is usually made absorbent by colouring it with carbon black. The challenging task is to make the upper part appear black to the eye and transparent to the laser.
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Low-aniline black masterbatches
The demand for low-emission colourings is currently presenting the industry with corresponding challenges. Nigrosine-based formulations are a particular focus here.
Our PA 950509 black is characterised by a particularly low VOC content, as documented in the evaluation shown below, and compared to conventional nigrosine batches, the content of volatile residual aniline in our product is many times lower and corresponds to the VOC content of a conventional, carbon black-based masterbatch.
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In some applications with the highest demands on technical or aesthetic aspects, carbon black reaches its limits as a colourant. Here, soluble colourants have a clear advantage. They are not coated by the polyamide matrix like pigment particles, but colour the matrix directly in deep black.
The advantages of dyes in polyamide are achieved in particular with the dye nigrosine (Solvent Black 7). The positive influence of our PA 950509 black on mechanical and rheological properties is due to the special quality of the raw materials. It also enables the production of deep black products with significantly improved surfaces and higher gloss in glass fibre-reinforced or flame-retardant compounds. The influence on performance properties such as impact resistance, strength and elasticity remains minimal.
Our quality promise
Masterbatch expertise
Different carbon blacks are used for different applications in different industries. With our latest, environmentally friendly production facilities, we have gained an even stronger position, particularly in the area of carbon black concentrates.
Good dispersion is a key quality factor. This enables us to realise industry-specific requirements such as minimised agglomerate sizes in the finished product. In conjunction with our test laboratory, we also check and test many technical aspects - and thus cater to your individual requirements.
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