Processing Aids
Cargill's additives are widely used to introduce functional effects into polymers, but the can also be used as Polymer Processing aids as they support internal lubrication. Here you will find detailed information on our range of high-quality processing aid additives to optimize your production processes. Our additives are designed to enhance performance, efficiency and the overall quality of your products.
Why are additives needed in polymer processing?
Processes such as injection molding, extrusion, compression molding and stretch blow molding are used to produce various plastic products for many application areas. Examples include PET bottles, packaging film, and automotive parts. Processing aid additives can offer multiple benefits in manufacturing. They can be used to reduce friction between the machine and the melted polymer, allowing smoother flow and enhanced quality of the end product. They can also prevent sticking or fouling of material and equipment.
Additionally, these additives increase production efficiency and improve end product quality. Cargill offers various additives that can help these processes as well as offer additional benefits in other stages of production, even at low concentration levels.
Discover our range of processing aids
Melt phase processing aids
Melt phase processing aids
Melt phase polymer processing includes processes such as injection molding and extrusion where molten polymer is made into an article, film or sheet. These processes are often designed to manufacture goods at high output rates as efficiently as possible. This often requires high temperatures and pressures to overcome the high natural friction of the polymer.
Cargill's bio-based* processing aids are designed to reduce the friction within the molten polymer and aid processing by allowing the polymer chains to flow more easily over each other. This reduction in friction can allow for processing at lower temperatures and pressures without a loss of output rate.
In injection molding processes, our additives can also support easier mold release and scratch resistance. See our mold release and anti-scratch pages for more information.
Solid state processing aids
Solid state processing aids
Solid state polymer processing includes biaxial stretching, compression molding and stretch blow molding, where a film, sheet or injection molded part is made into an item. These processes involve heating up the solid polymer enough to allow it to be manipulated or blown into another shape. Typical applications include bottles and packaging.
Cargill's bio-based* polymer additives have been shown to aid in this process by reducing friction within the polymer, enabling the polymer chains to move more easily and change shape. This benefit can allow for processing at lower temperatures, with less strain on the polymer, which can result in a reduced amount of stress whitening.
Which polymer types can we support?
Our additives can support a range of polymer types, including polyolefins, polyesters including PET and polycarbonate, and bio-based polymers such as PLA and PHA.
Polyolefins
Polyesters
Biopolymers
*Atmer 103 bio-based calculated as a proportion of the total organic carbon content of the final product, according to ASTM D6866
*IncroMax 100 bio-based carbon content tested according to ASTM D6866