Extrusion International 5-2023

42 Extrusion International 5/2023 FAKUMA 2023 The Full Range of Advanced Masterbatch Technology At Fakuma 2023, Tosaf will be presenting their latest developments in masterbatches for applications rang- ing from agricultural films to rigid and soft packaging and technical parts . For example, Tosaf's new addi - tives for contour-sharp laser marking are also suitable for transparent plastics in a wide range of applications. Also in focus are a new masterbatch carrier system with approval for direct food contact as well as masterbatch- es to produce light-diffusing elements, for example for covers of LED lights. Adapted to growing sustainability requirements are blowing agents for foamed plastics that help to reduce the ecological footprint, as well as colour and functional masterbatch solutions for com- pounds containing recycled materials. A new laser additive family from Tosaf can be used for transparent applications without affecting the opti- cal properties. It enables contour-sharp, high-contrast markings on thermoplastics that originally show poor or no colour change during laser marking, as well as on compounds with fillers such as calcium carbonate, tal - cum, titanium dioxide or carbon black. Depending on the substrate, optional settings for marking colours rang - ing from white to grey to black are possible. Since very low dosages are sufficient and the laser marking process can be fully automated, the new masterbatches help to reduce production costs compared to conventional pro- cesses such as labelling or embossing. By eliminating the need for chemicals, varnishes or stickers, their use is also non-critical and more sustainable. Typical applications include pipes, fittings, profiles and irrigation systems as well as, thanks to their suitability for food contact, caps and closures for beverages and other food packaging. Customised combi-masterbatches are also possible. A new universally applicable masterbatch carrier sys- tem from Tosaf Color Service meets all common food contact requirements, including those in Germany, the USA and China. Masterbatches based on this carrier system can thus be used without hesitation across con- tinents for applications ranging from translucent and opaque materials for rigid and flexible packaging, toys and household items to components for food process- ing machinery and equipment. To achieve uniform light distribution even with point- shaped LED light sources, Tosaf Color Service has de - veloped light diffusing (LD) masterbatches that con- tain microfillers. Even very small amounts in the range of 1 to 2 % result in highly efficient scattering of light in originally transparent material, mainly polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC). The light transmission and mechanical properties of the base ma- terial are almost completely retained. Both colour-neu- tral grades and combinations with specific colours and functional additives such as UV stabilisers are available. In the spirit of the circular economy, Tosaf has devel - oped colour masterbatches specifically for recyclates, with a focus on post-consumer plastics. They compen- sate for origin-related inconsistencies that are typical for such materials. A special additive masterbatch range from Tosaf is based on biodegradable carriers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and resin (rosin) and gives corre- sponding agricultural films properties such as increased UV stability, anti-fogging and IR filtering. Also geared towards sustainability in plastics process- ing are chemically active blowing agents that Tosaf has developed for the material-saving foaming process. The portfolio includes endothermic and exothermic types for a wide range of thermoplastics. Endothermic grades are considered safe to use, are approved for food con - tact and generally require relatively low temperatures for activation. Their applications range from thin-walled films and moulded parts with high surface quality as well as PP tapes to XPS and XPE trays for food packaging and large and thick-walled parts. The exothermic grades combine a high foaming effect with very good dispers- ibility. Exothermic and endothermic blowing agents combined in one concentrate are particularly suitable for PVC applications such as sheets, profiles and pipes. Beyond colour and foaming agents, Tosaf's portfolio includes other additives that can contribute to greater sustainability, including antioxidants, moisture and odor absorbers, processing aids and chain extenders. Tosaf Compounds Ltd. www.tosaf.com Fakuma: Stand B4-4402 Tosaf's light-diffusing masterbatches ensure uniform illumination even with LED spotlights (© Tosaf Color Service)