October 18, 2024 – The Production and Application Challenges of Black Masterbatch: Addressing Insufficient Blackness
In the realm of black masterbatch production and application, the issue of insufficient blackness occasionally arises, stemming from a multitude of underlying factors.
A pivotal factor contributing to this problem is the incorporation of recycled materials. With the surge in environmental consciousness, numerous enterprises are opting for recycled materials to reduce their carbon footprint. However, these recycled materials often exhibit poor compatibility when compared to virgin materials. When blended with general-purpose black masterbatch, significant performance discrepancies between the two can result in inadequate blackness in the final product.
Another reason for the lack of blackness is the mismatch between raw materials and black masterbatch performance. Some users continue to choose general-purpose masterbatches for blending with modified materials. Due to differences in carriers between the masterbatch and the modified material, issues such as poor compatibility and dispersion frequently arise, thereby affecting the product’s blackness.
Moreover, customers often focus solely on the blackness of the masterbatch while overlooking crucial factors such as carrier, compatibility, and dispersion. When switching raw material suppliers, relying solely on previous usage ratios for black masterbatch can lead to problems such as insufficient blackness and poor compatibility. According to insights from the Masterbatch Industry Network, the correct approach should involve selecting a suitable black masterbatch based on the performance characteristics of the new raw material and adjusting the usage ratio accordingly.
To assess the compatibility of black masterbatch, it is generally recommended that the raw materials used in plastic products should be similar or identical to the carrier of the black masterbatch to ensure good compatibility. For instance, PS plastic products should opt for black masterbatches with PS as the carrier.
Addressing the issue of uneven dispersion of black masterbatch requires various methods. Firstly, ensuring that the raw materials are dry can prevent incomplete melting of wet materials at the feed throat, which may lead to blockages. Secondly, reducing the feed throat temperature, even to a lower level, can rely on the screw’s power to extrude the raw materials. However, this may potentially damage the screw in the long run. Additionally, enlarging the feed throat, replacing the motor’s rotor, or utilizing broken screws for improvements can enhance feeding efficiency and mixing effectiveness. It is important to note that these methods need to be adjusted and optimized based on specific circumstances.
In conclusion, addressing the problem of insufficient blackness in black masterbatch necessitates comprehensive consideration and optimization from multiple aspects, including raw material selection, black masterbatch performance matching, and production processes.