Definition of Masterbatch and Conductive Masterbatch

Masterbatch (母粒/母料)

Definition

A masterbatch is a concentrated solid additive used in plastic processing to impart color or other functional properties (e.g., conductivity, antibacterial properties, reinforcement) to plastic materials. It is typically composed of a carrier resin, pigments, or additives uniformly dispersed in a granular form, allowing easy process during plastic product manufacturing.

Types of Masterbatch

1. Color Masterbatch
   • Used for plastic coloring, containing high concentrations of pigments or dyes.
2. Additive Masterbatch
   • Functional masterbatches, such as:
     • Conductive Masterbatch (for electrical conductivity)
     • Antibacterial Masterbatch (for antimicrobial properties)
     • Flame-Retardant Masterbatch (for fire resistance)
3. Filler Masterbatch
   • Contains inorganic fillers (e.g., straw fiber, calcium carbonate) to reduce costs or enhance mechanical properties.

Key Characteristics

• Concentration: High additive content (e.g., 20–50% pigments or fillers).
• Processing Ease: Simplifies mixing by pre-dispersing additives in a resin matrix.
• Applications: Widely used in packaging, construction, automotive, electronics, and medical industries.

Example

• Straw Fiber Filler Masterbatch: Combines straw-derived cellulose with plastic resin to improve strength and reduce costs in manufacturing building materials or packaging.

Conductive Masterbatch (Made by Sugo Advanced Materials)

Definition

A conductive masterbatch is a specialized functional masterbatch designed to impart electrical conductivity or antistatic properties to plastics. It is formulated by uniformly dispersing conductive fillers (e.g., carbon black, carbon nanotubes, metal powders) into a resin matrix (e.g., PS, PE, PP, ABS).

Key Features

1. High Conductivity
   • Achieves low electrical resistance (e.g., 10⁰–10⁴ Ω) through optimal filler dispersion.
2. Processing Advantages
   • Solves dispersion issues of conductive fillers during direct addition, enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
3. Performance Benefits
   • Economic: Carbon black-based masterbatches offer cost-effective solutions for mass applications.
   • High-Performance: Carbon nanotube (CNT) masterbatches enable lightweight, high-conductivity materials for advanced fields (e.g., electric vehicle batteries, aerospace).

Preparation Process

• Melting and Blending: Conductive fillers are mixed with resin in an extruder, followed by pelletization to ensure uniform filler distribution.

Applications

1. Electronics:
   • Conductive packaging films for electronic components (surface resistance: 10³–10⁵ Ω).
   • Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding enclosures.
2. Automotive:
   • Fuel system components (prevent static accumulation).
   • Battery casings for electric vehicles (lightweight, high conductivity).
3. Industrial Packaging:
   • Antistatic containers for explosive materials.
4. Specialty Fields:
   • Medical devices (radiation shielding), cleanroom equipment, and aerospace components.

Example

• PE + Conductive Carbon Black Masterbatch: Used to produce conductive PE films for electronic packaging, ensuring static dissipation and product protection.

Key Differences

Conclusion

• Masterbatch is a versatile additive for plastic modification, while conductive masterbatch is a niche product tailored for applications requiring electrical functionality. Both enhance processing efficiency and product performance, with conductive variants addressing critical needs in high-tech industries.