About the author...
Geoffrey Pritchard is an independent consultant and plastics industry analyst. He has been editor or principal co-author of nine books on polymer technology, and has organised the technical programmes for Rapras annual Addcon conferences on additives and modifiers since 1996.


1 Introduction
1.1 Why This Report Has Been Written
1.2 Geographical Focus
1.3 Period Under Review
1.4 Additives Covered
1.5 Structure of the Report
1.6 Terminology
1.7 Author
1.8 Sources of Information

2 Executive Summary and Conclusions
3.1 Factors Determining the Level of Demand for Additives
3.2 Polymers
3.3 Markets
3.3.1 Packaging
3.3.2 Building and Construction
3.3.3 Automotive
3.3.4 Electrical and Electronic Equipment
3.3.5 Other Markets for Plastics
3.4 Compounders
3.5 Global Economies and their Significance for the Plastics Industry

3 Background to the Additives Business

4 Technology
4.1 Antiblocking Agents
4.1.1 Film Haze and Clarity
4.1.2 Slip Agents
4.2 Biocides
4.2.1 Why Biocides Are Used in Plastics
4.2.2 Applications of Antimicrobials in Microorganism-Resistant Products
4.2.3 Active Ingredients of Antimicrobial Additives
4.2.4 Test Methods
4.3 Antioxidants
4.3.1 The Need for Polymers to be Protected Against Oxidation
4.3.2 Free Radicals
4.3.3 Primary and Secondary Antioxidants
4.3.4 Acceptor and Donor Types of Antioxidant
4.4 Antistatic Agents
4.4.1 Introduction
4.4.2 Blooming Antistatic Agents
4.4.3 Compatibility
4.4.4 Carbon Black and Similar Fillers
4.4.5 Permanent Antistatic Agents
4.5 Blowing (or Foaming) Agents
4.5.1 Introduction
4.5.2 Chemical Blowing Agents (CBA)
4.5.3 Physical Blowing Agents
4.6 Clarifying and Nucleating Agents
4.7 Compatibilisers
4.8 Fillers (Including Nanofillers)
4.8.1 Why Fillers Are Added to Plastics
4.8.2 Physical Properties of Fillers
4.8.3 Effects of Fillers on Polymer Properties
4.8.4 Commercially Important Fillers
4.8.5 Surface Treatment of Fillers by Coupling Agents and Wetting Agents
4.8.6 Nanofillers and Nanocomposites
4.9 Flame Retardants and Smoke Suppressants
4.9.1 Introduction
4.9.2 Mode of Action
4.9.3 Halogenated Flame Retardants
4.9.4 Mechanism of Action
4.9.5 Antimony Trioxide
4.9.6 Phosphorus Compounds
4.9.7 Intumescent Phosphorus Systems
4.9.8 Aluminium Trihydroxide (Alumina Trihydrate, ATH)
4.9.9 Magnesium Hydroxide
4.9.10 Borates
4.9.11 Nitrogen Compounds
4.9.12 Tin
4.9.13 Other Compounds
4.10 Heat Stabilisers
4.10.1 Degradation of PVC
4.10.2 Mode of Action of Stabilisers
4.10.3 Lead Stabilisers
4.10.4 Mixed Metal Stabilisers (Ba-Zn, Ca-Zn, Ca-Ba-Zn)
4.10.5 Co-stabilisers
4.10.6 Organotin Stabilisers
4.11 Impact Modifiers
4.11.1 Brittle Failure in Polymers
4.11.2 Mechanisms of Toughening
4.11.3 Types of Impact Modifier
4.11.4 Toughened Thermoplastics
4.11.5 Thermosets
4.12 Lubricants and Process Aids
4.12.1 Multiple Roles
4.12.2 External Lubricants
4.12.3 Internal Lubricants
4.12.4 Lubricants for PVC
4.12.5 Lubricants For Polymers Other Than PVC
4.12.6 Process Aids
4.13 Plasticisers
4.13.1 Why Plasticisers Are Used
4.13.2 Basic Requirements of a Plasticiser
4.13.3 Phthalates
4.13.4 Relationship Between Phthalate Type and Flexible PVC Properties
4.13.5 Non-phthalate Plasticisers
4.13.6 Plasticisers for Non-PVC Polymers
4.13.7 Extenders
4.14 UV and Visible Light Stabilisers
4.14.1 Why Light Stabilisers Are Used
4.14.2 Light Absorption and Reflection
4.14.3 Types of Light Stabiliser
4.14.4 Measuring the Effectiveness of Light Stabilisers
4.15 Miscellaneous Additives

5 Products and Markets
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Antiblocking Agents
5.3 Antimicrobials (Biocides)
5.3.1 Replacement of Arsenic Compounds
5.3.2 Biocides Containing Metal Atoms
5.3.3 Silver Compounds
5.3.4 Permanence of Biocides
5.3.5 SARS and MRSA
5.4 Antioxidants
5.4.1 Protection Against High Temperatures
5.4.2 Permanence