Plastic Masterbatch Products for Colour and Functionality

The amount of masterbatch which is required to be added to the base material to give the correct colour/effect is known as the addition rate and is usually expressed as a percentage.

Typical addition rates for masterbatches are between 1% and 5%, depending on the pigments being used and the base polymer, but can be as high as 30-40% in some instances.

When looking at the cost of a masterbatch several things need to be taken into consideration. This includes the stability of the pigments being used and what the addition rate of the masterbatch is.

The cost of the pigments in coloured masterbatch are very much dependant on the quality and the stability of the pigments being used. Higher quality more stable pigments tend to be more expensive than less stable ones. This stability can affect the colour properties during moulding process and in the final product.

Avient masterbatches are generally formulated using the highest quality pigments which allow a low addition rates, typically 1%, and excellent colour stability. This can make them seem more expensive than alternatives on the market, but can reduce the possibility of issues further on and therefore be cost effective.

Omnicolor™ colour masterbatches do not need drying. If using in a material which does, they can be added before drying providing the drying temperature does not exceed 100 deg C. For materials which need a higher drying temperature masterbatch should be added after drying.