Additives and Chemicals

Amcor offers a selection of anti-scratch additives under the name Amslip SCR™. The specific grade of Amslip SCR™ depends on type of resin, process, application, color, etc. Amslip SCR™ will have no negative influence on surface migration additives like UV inhibitors, etc.

Although you cannot “judge a book by its cover”, when it comes to plastics, appearance is often the key characteristic of perceived quality. Many plastics are susceptible to scratches which create an impression of lower quality. The addition of Amslip SCR™ (anti- scratch additive) will reduce the width of the scratch, minimize scratch whiteness and improve the smoothness; thereby greatly reducing the visibility of the scratch and maintain the perceived quality.

In order to mimic scratches and quantify them, a test similar to the five finger test that is often required for the automotive industry was performed. The test made it possible to quantify a scratch based on the width and onset. When the scratch load causes noticeable damage, the scratch consists of area damaged by the scratch tip and material mounded up on the edges. Test results appear in the graph and show that the onset of scratches occurs at a load force of 2N and that when Amslip SCR™ is added at 1% the onset does not occur until a force of 6N. Furthermore, at force loadings greater than 6N the width of the scratch was greatly reduced.

L on the L*a*b* color scale is a measurement of lightness. Where 100 equals white and 0 equals black. By measuring the L value of the scratch and subtracting the L value of the background you are able to determine the dL (delta L), the difference in whiteness of scratches compared to background. Low dL values indicate little to no difference in the lightness between the scratch and background so the scratch has low visibility. The graph shows results for Black PP and Black PP with 1% Amslip SCR™. The Black PP samples had a measurable difference of 20 dL at the lowest loads and 60 dL at the highest load. While the Black PP with 1% Amslip SCR™ showed no measurable difference in low to medium loads and only a dL of 10 at the highest loads.

Greater yield allows users to create more while maximizing machine and operator time. Down gauged benefits are generally one for one with material reduction. Reduced material thickness means less material to heat or cool resulting in reduced cycle times and less waste in the environment. When it comes to advances in materials, product performance, process efficiencies and reduction in waste, Amcor, Inc. has been successful in delivering more performance and profit with less material and waste.

In the expanding industry of plastic manufacturing, the evolution of industry specific additives creates numerous opportunities for increasing profits, boosting green credentials and improving efficiency, a “win-win” scenario for everyone.

One of these concepts is down gauging, creating a thinner product with all the salient physical properties of the original thickness. While the idea is simple, the actual process can be challenging. Amcor draws on its extensive experience and cutting edge technologies to provide the customer with specific solutions for down gauging. By combining these factors, our customers can manufacture products that offer the performance of conventional products but from material that is 10% to 25% lighter.