Plastics are often made of two main substances: polymers and additives. Each serves a specific purpose while giving plastic its unique characteristics. Here is a deeper look at the role of polymers and additives in plastics manufacturing.
What Are Polymers?
Polymers form the basis of plastics and are what keep everything together. They are large molecules that clump together and hold the additives that, together, make plastic.
Think of polymers like a building. Bricks form the walls, while everything else inside represents the additives that make the house unique.
What Are Additives in Plastics Manufacturing?
Additives are chemicals or materials added to plastics to give them specific properties, and they get added and mixed uniformly while making the plastic.
There are many additives to choose from, depending on what unique properties you need. For example, some additives can make plastics:
- Temperature-resistant
- Chemically stable (they won’t react to chemicals)
- Stretchy or softer
- Different colors
- Harder and scratch-resistant
- Slippery
Many plastics are comprised of more than one additive based on what they are designed for.
Check out Phoenix Plastic’s product offering of over 200 additives.
Benefits of Choosing Specific Polymers and Additives
There are many reasons why companies spend so much time choosing a specific set of polymers and additives when making their plastics. When done right, companies can expect the following.
Reduce Costs
The right combination of materials to make a specific type of plastic means that fewer materials may be needed to make the plastic that has the right benefits. Companies invest time and effort into researching plastics to use the right one for the job and minimize waste.
Extend Product Life
Every polymer has weaknesses, but suitable additives can overcome that. By focusing on polymers and additives, companies can extend the life of their plastics. Some polymers are UV-resistant, and the right additives can make them resistant to mold, bacteria, and heat. The result is a plastic perfect for use outdoors in the sun.
Research Your Options With Phoenix Plastics
The collection of polymers and additives at your disposal is large and complex to navigate on your own. Get help with your next project from Phoenix Plastics. Contact us now to get a quote on plastic addtives for your project.
