Processing porous polymers
15 Jan 2000
A range of highly porous polymers developed by DSM could make the use of additives far easier and cheaper, according to the company. Known as Stamypor, the polymers will mix with most additives in a simple low-speed mixer.
Stamypor is a granulated polyolefin, based on low-density polyethylene. It is produced in bead form, and is highly porous more than half the volume of each bead is void space (see picture, at 10003 magnification). Because of this porosity, it mixes with additives such as anti-static agents, antioxidants, pigments and fragrances extremely quickly and evenly, producing very concentrated 'masterbatches' which disperse very quickly with bulk resins.
Stamypor is made by dissolving LDPE in an organic solvent, then dispersing this solution in water. Currently, a 100tpa pilot plant in the Netherlands is meeting all commercial needs in Europe, the US and Far East, but the company is monitoring demand and may build more, and larger, plants in Europe and elsewhere.
