EDISON, NJ – A NEW "PDI Type 45" concentrated colorant utilizing butyl benzyl phthalate as a plasticizer vehicle to improve the processing characteristics and physical properties of cast urethane elastomers, reports Thomas Loschiavo, marketing manager of Ferro Corporation, Liquid Coatings and Dispersions Division ( E-MAIL: LOSCHIAVOTJ@FERRO.COM ).
The colorant incorporates up to 75 percent pigment by weight into the plasticizer vehicle using processing techniques that break down pigment agglomerates and wet-out individual particles in suspension, preventing reagglomeration, and increasing the opacity of the original pigment by 50 to 80 percent.
The plasticizer’s strong solubilizing action is said to reduce melt viscosity, offering improved processibility, particularly with high molecular weight resins and/or parts having thick cross-sections, while its low moisture content of <0.15% minimizes CO2 gas generation endemic to hydroscopic MDI and TDI prepolymers.
The addition of colorant at typical letdowns of two to three percent allows a corresponding reduction of secondary plasticizers commonly blended with general purpose plasticizers to enhance performance. The colorant can be incorporated with either side of the polyether polyurethane formulation, or metered as a third stream. Its viscosity (39.5 Centistokes @ 25o C) is significantly lower than that of benzoates, allowing easier pumping in winter months.
Compared with dibutyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate’s lower volatility is said to lessen migration, improve retention of physicals, resist extraction by solvents and enhance decorating and dielectric sealing operations.[ It also contains fewer free hydroxyls resulting in greater resistance to fungus than either dibutyl phthalate or diglycol dibenzoates groups, and is said to improve freeze-thaw properties.]
In addition to cast urethane elastomers, PDI Type-45 colorants are suitable for urethane film and coated fabrics as well as flexible, rigid and semi-rigid foams, self-skinning and high density molded foams, and RIM applications.
Click "PDI Type 45" to view data sheet.
Ferro Corporation
Liquid Coatings and Dispersion Division
54 Kellogg Court
Edison, NJ 08817-2509
USA
Tel: +1 732-287-1930
Fax: +1 732-287-8966
E-mail: infolcd@ferro.com