Clariant International Ltd. has launched new grades of its AddWorks-brand polymer additives aimed at sustainability and innovation.
AddWorks LXR is designed to enhance the molding process of glass-filled nylon compounds in the automotive, electrical/electronic, and building and construction markets, officials with Muttenz, Switzerland-based Clariant said in a recent news release. Lower molding temperatures allow for less energy to be used in the molding process.
The AddWorks ATR range is designed to handle high operating temperatures, humidity and exposure to corrosive materials faced by auto parts. That range includes ATR 302, an additive that increases the long-term heat aging of filled polypropylene.
Clariant additives business unit head Michael Grosskopf said in the release that AddWorks "is about complete solutions and not just products."
The introduction of the new AddWorks grades continues a busy 2013 for Clariant that included the debut of its HiFormer service at K 2013, held Oct. 16-23 in Düsseldorf, Germany. That service provides product development, color matching and other functions for the firm's liquid-color customers.
Other 2013 efforts from the firm include forming a masterbatch concentrates joint venture with Tasnee & Sahara Olefins Co. of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and acquiring the organic pigment business of supplier Jiangsu Multicolor Fine Chemical Co. Ltd. of Wuxi, China.
Clariant operates 11 business units and posted 2012 sales of about $6.6 billion.
