USING LIQUID COLORS TO BEST ADVANTAGE

Liquid-colorant addition to plastics during processing has become firmly established in many resin-fabricating operations, and has a projected rate of growth that is quite exciting. Consumption of liquid colorants for 1976 has been estimated at 2,500 metric tons with a projection for 1980 of over 10,000 tons. This growth testifies to the inherent advantages of liquid-additives systems, and to the great number of technological advancements achieved in the past few years. Advantages of liquid colorants relate directly to better economics and the ability to automate operations. Technological advancement relate to improved product quality, which is often at a higher level than previously possible. In addition, the concept of colorant addition in a liquid carrier has been expanded to include the simultaneous feeding of many other platics additives such as blowing agents, antioxidants, UV absorbers, and lubricants, all in a single operation, often as a single additive. Technological details are included along with cost considerations.