SIDISTAR – Improved Processability in Thermoplastics

Example of “Ball Bearing” Effect in tough to process products.

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Scope of Work

• A tough to extrude PVC WPC product (with wood fibres) was used as a base recipe for the assessment.

• Typically inorganic materials are added to WPC to increase stiffness.

• SIDISTAR was compared to typically used inorganic materials – Talc and Calcium Carbonate.

• Recipes were produced with 6, 12, and 18 % of each inorganic material and extrusion behaviour monitored.

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Talc in WPC

Decking Profile

Recipe :

40% PVC

48% Wood Type 15E

12% Talc

Max 12% Talc was extrudable

However - Extrudate is very rough and dry, internal webs are not fully formed and easily cracked.

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Max 12% CaCO3 was extrudable

However - Extrudate is very rough and dry, internal webs are not fully formed and easily cracked.

CaCO3 in WPC

Decking Profile

Recipe :

40% PVC

48% Wood Type 15E

12% CaCO3

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SIDISTAR in WPCDecking Profile

Recipe :

40% PVC

42% Wood Type 15E

18% Sidistar®

SIDISTAR recipes can be processed at all addition levels - Even at the higher loading of 18% the extrudate is smooth and fully formed.

Sidistar at 6%

Sidistar at 18%

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Conclusion

• In high viscosity – tough to extrude products SIDISTAR can improve processability ensuring a fully formed and smooth part.

• The “ball bearing” effect creates an easier to process melt.

• In comparison to other inorganic products the SIDISTAR particle shape and ability to be dispersed to primary particles is key to this processing improvement.