Fischer-Tropsch Hydrocarbons as Processing Aides in Injection Molding

Abstract

Polymer producers and converters are continuously evaluating options to reduce costs by producing faster, reducing energy consumption, reducing scrap and improving finished article mechanical and aesthetic properties. Recently, however, sustainability and overall environmental impact have also become prominent themes for converters. Processing aides are commonly used in blown film extrusion and injection molding. Specifically in injection molding silicone spray, fluoropolymers and oleochemicals are used. An alternative is to use higher molecular weight Fischer-Tropsch (FT) hydrocarbons as a polymer processing aide and mold release agent due to its good compatibility with the polymer compound matrix. Formulating with these hydrocarbons allows the converter to reduce cycle time, produce faster to reduce labor, to reduce energy consumption and improve certain properties of the injection molded article. Ultimately FT as a polymer processing aide could be an important tool to a converter to reduce manufacturing costs and improve quality.