In the world of engineering polymers, Polyketone (PK) and Polyoxymethylene (POM) are celebrated for their toughness and stability. This month, we are highlighting several breakthrough masterbatch solutions from Radical Materials , including an unprecendented UV stable, pure white polyketone and x-ray/metal detectable POM.
Achieving a True, Stable White in Polyketone
We have previously highlighted our work with detectable Polyketone, but while Polyketone has some incredible properties that are driving increased usage, it also has some well-known drawbacks. It is notoriously difficult to colour a pure, crisp white polyketone, often resulting in a disappointing, “dirty” cream or off-white shade. To make matters worse, poor natural UV resistance causes rapid yellowing and surface deterioration upon UV exposure, accompanied by a severe drop in mechanical performance.
The Radical Solution: Radical Materials has developed an easy-to-use masterbatch specifically formulated to provide a pure white polyketone. This innovative solution achieves an initial pure white color right out of the mould and vigorously maintains that clean aesthetic under UV exposure. Beyond protecting the look of your part, it safeguards the polymer matrix, helping to retain the excellent mechanical properties that made you choose polyketone in the first place.
Detectability and Friction Management
Alongside their UV white advancements, Radical Materials is launching several tailored masterbatches to solve other challenges in processing environments.
New to Market: Detectable Polyketone Masterbatch
Say goodbye to purchasing expensive, separate detectable compounds. This brand-new masterbatch from Radical Materials allows you to impart both metal and X-ray detectable properties directly into your existing grades of polyketone.
* Tailored Sensitivity: Detectability levels can be customized to your specific application requirements.
* In-House Testing: Radical Materials offers full, in-house metal and X-ray detectability testing to verify performance.
* Custom Colours: No need to compromise on aesthetics; it can be coloured to your exact specifications.
Tailored for POM: Detectable POM Masterbatch
Enjoy all the exact same benefits of the detectable PK masterbatch—including customizable detectability, custom colouring, and in-house testing validation—but perfectly tailored for Polyoxymethylene (POM/Acetal) matrices.
Low Friction and Wear POM
Reducing friction usually meant turning to fluoropolymers, but regulatory shifts have changed the game. Radical Materials offers an easy-to-use, non-fluoropolymer-based masterbatch that imparts tailored low friction and wear properties to molded parts. It reduces mechanical drag and extends component life without the regulatory baggage. As a bonus versatility benefit, this masterbatch can also be successfully tailored to suit usage in polyketone.
Optimize Your Production Line
Whether you are trying to fix a discolored polyketone part or looking to integrate smart detectability into your existing POM lines without buying specialty compounds, Radical Materials has the compounding expertise to solve your challenge. Contact the team today to discuss your specifications or to arrange sample testing.
If you woulds like to learn more, please contact Chris Vince at chris@radicalmaterials.com or call us on 01495 211400.
