Use of Multi-Hollow Polyester Particles as Opacifying Agent for Injection-Molded Polyethylene

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Silva, JFA (Author) Other; Carvalho, TMT (Author) Other; Almeida, ML (Author) Other; Pereira, P (Author) Other; Sousa, H (Author) Other; Martins, J (Author) Other; Luísa Carvalho (Author) FEUP; Magalhães, F. D. (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Polymers

Vol. 12

Final page: 1331

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-EW1

DOI: 10.3390/polym12061331

Abstract (EN): Titanium dioxide is considered the most efficient white pigment for opacification of thermoplastics. However, its high cost, combined with strong price oscillations due to production bottlenecks, has been driving the industry towards alternatives that might allow reducing the titanium dioxide content, while maintaining the product's opacity. A strategy commonly used in waterborne paints consists in adding hollow polymer particles to the formulation, therefore achieving opacification due to light refraction at the air/polymer interface. In the current work, we show preliminary results that indicate that a similar strategy can be followed for thermoplastics opacification, as long as thermoset particles are used, in order to ensure preservation of the hollow geometry during melt-processing. Multi-vesiculated crosslinked styrene-polyester particles, produced by a single-step double emulsion process, are used. Evidence of synergic interaction between the multi-hollow particles and titanium dioxide has been found.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9