Additives are used in Polypropylene to prevent polymer degradation, resulting from exposure to heat, shear and light. They broaden the property and application range by providing higher functionality and enhanced performance. As colorants, Organic Pigments provide solutions of high technical standard and are most suitable for Polyolefins. With Polypropylene applications, the requirements for organic pigments broaden and demand excellent processing properties like heat resistance or dispersibility and durable end-use properties like heat and weather fastness.

Thermal and Processing Stability

Synergistic antioxidant blends, comprising phosphites or phosphonites and phenols, are used to ensure thermal and processing stability during pelletization, processing and end-use. State-of-the-art antioxidant systems are the well-established Ciba® IRGANOX® B antioxidant blends. In addition Ciba® IRGASTAB® FS blends have been designed to meet the need for improved aesthetic properties (higher whiteness).

Light Stability

Just as heat and shear can destroy polypropylene, so too can light. Ultraviolet light, the same type that causes skin to sunburn, can initiate chemical reactions in polypropylene, resulting in polymer chain scission and loss of chemical and physical properties. Ciba® TINUVIN® and Ciba® CHIMASSORB® light stabilizers can improve the light stability of polypropylene. These are ultraviolet light absorbers (UVAs) or hindered amine/amide light stabilizers (HALS). Often UVAs and HALS are used together to provide a higher level of polymer light stability.

Additive Blends

Besides additives for thermal, processing and light stability, other additives, such as nucleating agents, antistats, slip agents and colorants may also have to be added to achieve the desired property portfolio of a given PP grade. Cibas´ Customer-Specific-Blend (CSB) Business focuses on the development, production and supply of customer-specific additive blend packages.

Coloration

According to its broad use and diverse applications, Ciba offers a versatile product range of Organic Pigments for coloration of PP both for general use and demanding applications. Based on the specific application and requirements, Organic Pigments with excellent performace properties like high heat resistance, good dispersibility or superb weather and light fastness can be provided. Brand names like Ciba® CROMOPHTAL®, Ciba® IRGAZIN® or Ciba® IRGALITE® are well known synonyms for Ciba´s high quality Organic Pigments. To find more about Coloration of PP, please see PP Effects.