The surface gloss decrease of recycled ABS (rABS) after aging can be an issue. Indeed this decrease affects the aesthetics of rABS. In our study, we have demonstrated that the addition of additives could control the glossy properties.
In order to simulate the aging process, rABS parts have been submitted to a temperature of 90°C for durations up to 1000hrs. Under these conditions, the gloss of a rABS reference resin without any modifier dropped from 90 to less than 30.
The same aging evaluations were carried out when the rABS reference was additivated with 5 weight % of LOTRYL® EMA copolymers and LOTADER® AX reactive terpolymers. Both EMA copolymers were quite effective in maintaining the gloss value around 70.
Surprisingly the epoxide-containing LOTADER® AX8900 was useful in producing a matt recycled ABS since the gloss value decreased quickly below 20.
In conclusion LOTRYL® EMA and LOTADER® AX additives can be used for various functions. Both products are highly performing impact modifiers, even after thermal aging. LOTRYL® EMA can also be used to maintain good gloss level. LOTADER® AX on the other way can be used to reduce the gloss and as well as increasing the melt strength of rABS.
According to Nico Esselin, Market Development manager at SKFP: “The LOTRYL® and LOTADER® AX additives are great tools for compounders to modify the properties of their ABS or rABS compounds. They can be used to adjust their impact resistance, melt strength or their gloss.”
| Characteristics | Lotryl®29MA03T | Lotryl®40MA05T | Lotader®AX8900 | Unit |
| Acrylate | 29% MA | 40% MA | 24% MA | wt% |
| GMA epoxide | 0% | 0% | 8% GMA | wt% |
| Melting point | 93 | 70 | 65 | °C |
| Melt Index (190°C/2.16kg) | 3 | 5 | 6 | g/10min |