Astropol is more than just creator of masterbatches and additives for the polymer sector. Our technically competent engineers and chemists provide wider view solutions across the whole chemical industry. We talk engineer to engineer – chemist to chemist.
If you have an innovative material concept or design, engage with us as your partner. These case studies show in outline how we have helped clients take a concept through to commercial reality.
CASE STUDY 1
Graphene
The Astropol technical expertise helped incorporate graphene into a polymeric medical device. This significantly strengthened and improved the effectiveness of its application.
CASE STUDY 2
An Antimicrobial incorporating a taggant for fibre application
Astropol formulated a bespoke antimicrobial additive including a taggant fingerprint. This enabled the antimicrobial technology to be tracked in a fine polymeric fibre extrusion used for fabrics.
CASE STUDY 3
Abrasive Purging Compound
Astropol provided a solution to stubborn plate-out processes by creating a highly lubricated and heat stable material for compounding abrasive inorganic blends of material used for purging.
CASE STUDY 4
Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes
The incorporation of single wall nanotubes into a polymeric end article to facilitate touch screen conductivity.
CASE STUDY 5
‘Super-batch’
Ultraviolet absorbers and flame retardants were added to the colour masterbatch used in the production of a building product that had to pass the most stringent of building control tests.
UV Resistant
Flame Retardant
CASE STUDY 6
Anti Airborne Transmission Face Masks
In support of the fight against Covid-19 and other airborne infectious disease and virus, Astropol ltd have been engaged with a manufacturer of woven face masks. A masterbatch incorporating technology to enhance the electrostatic charge of the polymeric strand material used to manufacture the mask, thus repelling airborne transmission, was developed by our technical team. Technical trials of the end product were expedited in partnership with our customer and full commercial approval has now been achieved.
Compounds
These dry blend and pellet products are formulated and colour matched to the customer’s specifications with specific rheological and performance requirements. These products are created in support of Astropol’s masterbatch business.
A unique and distinguishing aspect of the Astropol compounding service is the ability to supply ‘small lots’. Minimum 100kg orders of dry blend or pellet compound can be supplied, although bulk quantity/tonnage is also offered.
The chart below illustrates which formats are available in pellet and powder form.
Purge/Freeze
Within this product range Astropol supplies specific purge, freeze dry blend and compound materials. Various grades of material are offered including:
Vinyl:
- Calcium/Zinc organic
- Tin
Non-Vinyl:
- Scrubber Purge
Toll Processing Services
These services are fully customizable and present customers with an opportunity to create bespoke formats to match their individual requirements.
Mixing and Blending
The customer specifies mixing protocol and packaging and or transport formats enabling the client to retain control of their raw material, packaging and transport costs, whilst tapping into Astropol’s production facility offering the ability to change colour quickly and easily. Options include high speed mixing and low speed blending.
Additive Mixing
Powder/Chemical Mixing and Packaging with the following customer options:
- Mixing of powders e.g. lubricants / additives
- High and low speed mixing available
- Various pack sizes – client specification
Extrusion
Toll extrusion works largely in the same way as toll mixing. Customers supply their own compound ready for extrusion, alternatively they can supply the raw materials to be both mixed and compounded at Astropol. Again, the customer has the choice of packaging format and logistics.
Packaging
As support to our products and services, we offer Toll packaging that enables customers to have their consignments of material packed to their own bespoke specification.