2024-09-11
The Role Additives Play in Plastics
Plastic makers typically convert raw materials (monomers) into polymers, which are chains of molecules, by applying heat and pressure in the presence of catalysts in industrial facilities. In commerce, these polymers are typically referred to as plastic materials (and sometimes “resins”). These materials have unique combinations of properties that are unachievable with alternative materials.In addition to the molecules that make up the polymers, chemical substances are often added to plastic materials, either during production or later in the process of making products and packaging. These chemicals – generally referred to as additives – enable efficient processing of the plastics and/or provide beneficial properties to the final plastic products.