Functional Materials

Our acid scavenger offerings range from different synthetic hydrotalcites to metallic soaps, including regular type hydrotalcite as well as dehydrated hydrotalcite. Our regular-type hydrotalcite is commonly used in polyolefin production. Our dehydrated hydrotalcite is used in production where higher processing temperature is needed. We also offer a zinc-type hydrotalcite. Our metallic soaps include calcium stearate, zinc stearate and magnesium stearate.

ABS is a highly adaptable and useful thermoplastic that suits a variety of end markets. ABS resin combines strong mechanical performance with excellent physical appearance at an affordable price.

Our anti-blocking material is a white powder with spherical particle shape and controlled particle size. The material is a synthetic sodium calcium aluminosilicate produced by the chemical modification of synthetic zeolite. It has excellent dispersibility and a refractive index close to resin, resulting in very high clarity and low haze. It also has very low oil absorption. This anti-block is also offered in masterbatch form.

Our antimicrobial masterbatches are added to provide antimicrobial benefits at much lower costs than traditional metal-based products. Our technology is based on a sustainable, green, plant-based chemistry as opposed to traditional silver- or copper-based materials. Instead of killing microbes as metal-based technologies do, our product works to prevent the growth of microbes by blocking bacteria and fungi replication.

Mitsui Plastics offers antioxidant additives to the polymer industry, promoting stabilization and protecting against degradation to increase the lifespan of the polymer. Compatible with a wide variety of resins and production types, these highly effective materials are used in combination with other additives to achieve optimal polymer processing.

This biodegradation additive is offered as a masterbatch to transform non-biodegradable products into biodegradable ones. This product allows for a controlled rate of decomposition through a multi-step chemical process that ultimately results in byproducts of methane and carbon dioxide. The technology converts traditional plastics into a consumable form that can then be broken down by bacteria in the soil (into carbon dioxide, water, and humus). A key drawback to compostable products is their short shelf life. With the use of our product, polymers have the benefit of a long shelf life that traditional single-use plastics have, but also be able to break down in a much shorter period of time (3 – 10 years versus hundreds of years). All the well-understood properties of polyolefins, polyesters and nylons are retained while also providing the added benefit of biodegradability.

Animal repellent masterbatches based in both polyolefin and TPU carriers. Nontoxic, nonhazardous and stable at high-heat temperatures, these masterbatches have proven effective due to ease of processing and success at repelling animals from essential polymer applications (such as transportation cabling).

These pelletized mineral concentrates contain up to 80% of a fine-ground, surface-treated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) combined with various polyolefin carrier resins. Composed of FDA-compliant materials, they are designed to improve the performance of polyethylene film, and sheet and coating applications. This high-quality CaCO3 allows for a greater percentage of filler in the resin compound thereby reducing costs, resulting in substantial savings vs. resin. Key advantages include higher production rates; thermal properties modification; better extrudate stability; enhanced extrusion output due to easier output handling and converting; increased stiffness and impact strength; increased tear strength of LLDPE films; COF modification for easier converting and performance; improved printability, adhesion and seals strength.

Maleic-grafted polymer masterbatch improves bonding between the resin matrix and fillers to enhance the mechanical and physical properties of the end compound. This product is used with both glass fiber and natural/mineral-based fillers, as well as for compatibility among different resins. Mitsui Plastics also offers a range of MAH-grafted PE solutions for film tie layers, including enhanced bonding to aluminum, PET, etc.

We represent a variety of custom compounders that offer a wide range of custom formulation masterbatch solutions that may include a combination of functional additives and color for a variety of different carrier resins and end-use applications.

CBC has high UV-VIS transparency (especially in the 200 – 300nm range) and is fully hydrogenated and nonpolar, giving it excellent chemical resistance. Under Gamma and E-beam sterilization, CBC maintains its physical properties and transparency. CBC also has very low auto-fluorescence and birefringence, and is so low density that it even floats on water.

This modifier can be used to modify the initiation temperatures for film sealing. The product’s lower melting point and melting point distribution result in increased low-temperature drawing and dimensional stability. Blending this material into the core layer of films helps to achieve an improvement in heat sealability, processability, softness and optical properties (transparency and gloss). Target heat seal strength can be achieved at lower temperatures using this material, making it possible to design ultra low temperature processes, leading to cost reduction and line speed efficiency. On the flip side, for low temperature system constraints, a higher heat seal can be achieved through use of this material.

General and specialty glass fiber offerings for a variety of applications. Specialty fiber types include low-aspect ratio milled glass powder, flat glass fiber to reduce part warpage and improve mechanical properties and surface smoothness, and low-dielectric glass fiber to reduce transmission loss in electronic devices.

Mitsui Plastics offers various haptic modifiers for increased softness, and touch and feel properties. These custom-formulated additive systems are dispersed in proprietary polyolefin resins to increase hydrophobicity, improve processability, lower COF, increase scratch and mar resistance, and increase stress-whitening resistance. The technology modifies the hydrogen bonds within compounds to achieve the desired effects.

We offer impact modifiers for both polyolefins and polyamides, supporting impact strength even at low temperatures. Resin modifiers for polyolefins can improve the toughness, impact and heat resistance of the polymer, and transparency of the final compound. With lower density, lower modulus and lower melting point vs. traditional polyolefins, these modifiers can be used to modify impact and softness in finished compounds. Acid-modified elastomers, with grades based in POE or EPDM, are well dispersed throughout nylon resin to prevent cracking and improve the durability of the polymer. Suitable for both filled and neat polyamide resins.

Our offerings for custom insecticide masterbatches are based in LDPE carrier and used to improve chemical and biological properties in agricultural film and netting. Using a lower concentration of insecticide in combination with a more efficient migration speed, this masterbatch creates cost savings while promoting a safer production environment. Insecticide masterbatches also have a higher heat resistance that allows for use in both LDPE and HDPE end applications.

This functional filler system provides a variety of functionalities including, but not limited to, barrier improvements, structural reinforcement and light-weighting.

Maleic-grafted polymer masterbatch improves bonding between the resin matrix and fillers to enhance the mechanical and physical properties of end compounds. Used with glass fiber and natural/mineral-based fillers, as well as for compatibility among different resins.

We offer custom low-smoke, zero-halogen compound solutions for the Wire & Cable market. Compounds are available in polymers such as PP, PE, EVA, POE, EPDM, TPE and TPU. We can develop a custom compound to meet manufacturers’ needs for flame rating, oil resistance, UV resistance, smoke density, cold impact and more.

PBT resin demonstrates strong mechanical properties while maintaining dimensional stability. Due to excellent electrical resistance, PBT is commonly used in electrical applications where minimal energy absorption improves performance, as well as in automotive components where heat and chemical resistance is needed.

Polycarbonate resin combines strong impact properties with high transparency, making it useful for a wide variety of applications. Lightweight and highly processable, PC resin can be used for precision molding at a wide range of temperatures.

PET is a general-purpose thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the polyester family of polymers. Known for their excellent combination of properties such as mechanical, thermal, chemical resistance as well as dimensional stability, polyester resins are suitable for extruded applications that require clarity, toughness and consistent processing performance. PET can be alloyed and compounded with engineering resins. Polyester resins are low cost, withstand temperatures up to 80˚C, offer good wetting to glass fibers, have a relatively low shrinkage of 4% ̶ 8% during curing, and provide a linear expansion ranging from 100 – 200 x 10–6 K–1.

This novel polymer offers high abrasion resistance, strong chemical resistance and good dimensional stability. It is often used in high-abrasion-resistant applications.

With high heat resistance, this plastic resin is suitable for high-temperature applications. It features a low surface tension, second lowest compared to fluorine polymers, giving it excellent release-ability against various materials. It has a high chemical resistance compared with traditional polymers. TPX™ (PMP) has excellent transparency and high UV transmittance, comparable to that of glass. Its low density makes PMP ideal for applications requiring a light weight.

Polyolefin elastomer is a key functional modifier for a variety of polyolefin systems. This material has lower density, lower modulus, and a lower melting point vs. polyethylene or polypropylene. Due to these traits, POE is often used as an impact or softness modifier. Additionally, POE can be used in flexible products such as film. It has the ability to modify heat seal initiation temperatures (HSIT) as well as promote “easy-peel” properties.

Mitsui Plastics offers antioxidant additives to the polymer industry, promoting stabilization and protecting against degradation to increase the lifespan of the polymer. Compatible with a wide variety of resins and production types, these materials are highly effective and used with a combination of other additives to achieve optimal polymer processing.

Engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability. POM is characterized by its high strength, hardness and rigidity to −40°C. POM is intrinsically opaque white, due to its high crystalline composition, but it is available in all colors. POM has a density of 1.410 – 1.420 g/cm3. POM is tougher than ABS and available in bright translucent colors, and is not paintable.

Scratch- and mar-resistant additive MB is added to various applications to improve the surface of plastic parts. This technology allows for two significant improvements — process aid and high-performance lubrication. When tested by both Five Finger Scratch and Erichsen, products with our additive incorporated show lower ∆L values compared to those without. Adding our product also improves flow properties in filled TPO compounds, enhances wear resistance, improves mold release and increases the ability to pass automotive fogging tests.

Our silane external donor offerings include C Donor, D Donor and DI Donor (P Donor). These external donors are used in polypropylene production and provide very high isotacticity and good hydrogen response.

Slip agent is used in various applications to modify the coefficient of friction. We offer several options, including convenient masterbatch forms in a wide variety of carrier resins. This technology allows for unique benefits such as improved polymer processability, nonmigratory behavior, stable COF over broad temperature ranges and processing conditions, and increased scratch and mar resistance. We have both traditional amide-based products as well as siloxane-based materials. Traditional film migratory additives have been overdesigned for lower than necessary COF due to COF changes with temperature and speed. However, this does not occur with our product, so films can be designed correctly for the end application.

Our line of specialty lubricants includes erucamide, siloxanes and specialty metallic soaps. Our specialty metallic soaps use different fatty acids that allow for increased dispersion and lubricity. The specialty metallic soaps improve mold-release and MFR, and they reduce die buildup and cycle time during processing. These specialty metallic soaps are used in plastic production, rubber production, paint and pigment production, as well as in many other applications. Our erucamide and siloxane products offer unique benefits such as improved polymer processability, nonmigratory behavior, stable COF over broad temperature ranges and processing conditions, and increased scratch and mar resistance. Compounds filled with our products have shown increased flow properties and lubricity, allowing for improved mold release and enhanced wear resistance.

UHMW-PE is a fine material with spherical particles for use in coatings, lubricants, and polyolefin and polyamide compounding. This material contributes to improved dispersion when mixed with other fillers, and adds improved lubrication, scratch and impact resistance to the final polymeric compound.

Ultra high molecular weight siloxane is primarily used as a slip or COF modifier in various applications and comes in a convenient masterbatch form available in a wide variety of carrier resins. This technology allows for unique benefits such as improved polymer processability, nonmigratory behavior, stable COF over broad temperature ranges and processing conditions, increased scratch and mar resistance, excellent print and paint adhesion, and increased thermal stability. Traditional film migratory additives have been overdesigned for lower than necessary COF due to COF changes with temperature and speed. However, this does not occur with UHMW-siloxane, so films can be designed correctly for the end application.