Siloxanes as additives for plastics

Organomodified siloxanes combine the high efficiency of silicone oils with good compatibility with polymeric resins. The synthesis of organic siloxanes reveals a high degree of freedom, giving access to a variety of different representatives. Depending on the nature of the organic moiety and the overall molecular weight, organomodified siloxanes can be adapted to special applications within polymers. Thus their performance covers the range from performance additives, as lubricant or dispersing agent, as in filled compounds, to surface modifying additives, helping to improve surface characteristics, such as scratch resistance. Various polypropylenic compounds containing representatives of such organomodified siloxanes were evaluated. Process parameters such as energy consumption, pressure build up and out-put rate on a twin screw extrusion line could be increased. A positive influence on surface properties could be obtained by selecting favourable additives from this class of products.