ABSTRACT
The incredibly large amount of polymeric materials in use today (hundreds of millions of metric tons annually) is made possible by an unusual combination of properties such as low cost, low weight, and ease of processing when compared with traditional materials such as wood, metals, and glass. Thermoplastic additives, which account for nearly 5% by weight of all the plastic products produced yearly, are indispensable to achieve cost effectiveness, aesthetics, and ease of processing, and to extend the useful life of the finished products. For example, plasticizers, which are mostly used in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) for ease of processing, alone account for over 50% of additives used by mass. Plasticizers and flame retardants (FRs) together account for over 75% of the additive market by mass in Europe [1]. Thermoplastic additives come in various forms based on functionality (end-use properties) and processability. One class of additives, namely, antioxidants, processing stabilizers, UV absorbers, and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALSs), is primarily used for protection of the thermoplastic from agents of degradation and damage, thus enhancing the value of plastic-based products. Two of these, antioxidant and light stabilizers, are used in polymer recycling. Another class, mainly used for special effects, includes FRs, antifogging agents, antistatic agents, slip agents, and antimicrobial agents. Others in the list are clarifying agents, material for extending product shell life, and optical brighteners. These additives, more than 25 distinct categories, have been described in some details in a number of publications [2-4] and on many websites including polymer-additives.specialchem.com.
