“biocide use is expanding beyond pvc”

The main requirements of an antimicrobial additive include its ability toprotect the plastics compound and prevent the growth of stains and odour.However, growth in the market is also being driven by consumer perceptionthat biocides can now also prevent the spread of diseases. There is muchdevelopment work underway in this area. PVC has traditionally been themain user of formulated biocides through the prevention of microorganisms feeding onorganic plasticizers in flexible formulations. However, biocide use is also expandingbeyond PVC into polyolefins, polyurethane foams, silicones and engineeringthermoplastics. Our review on biocides and antimicrobials starts on page 30.

There continues to be an ever greater choice when it comes to selecting a suitable flameretardant for a particular application. Polycarbonate is a versatile material offering manydesirable properties, which finds applications in the electrical and electronic, automotiveand construction sectors, among others. Many of these demanding applications forpolycarbonate require a high degree of flame retardancy. In our article starting on page 26,Jim and Ann Innes of US-based Flame Retardants Associates Inc. describe a number ofnew and classsical methods of creating flame retardant polycarbonate.

In the second of his articles on issues arising from globalization, Stephen Duckworth ofEuro-Asia Connect highlights some of the issues that he believes need to be considered aspart of an entry strategy to Asian markets. In addition, Ron Brabinsky of TownsendPolymer Services & Information reviews the state of the additives market for PVC.Finally, the selection of a pelletizing system is always an important decision in the plasticscompounding industry. In this issue of Plastics Additives & Compounding, Dwayne Freeon behalf of Gala Industries, Inc. makes the case for selecting an underwater cuttingsystem.

Mark Holmes

Plastics Additives & Compounding January/February 2006

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l“Biocide use isexpanding beyond PVC”

Editor Mark HolmesTel: +44 1865 843441E-mail: m.holmes@elsevier.com

Website www.addcomp.com

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Front cover photographs: Gala Industries, Inc. (Main); Licencedfrom Getty Images (Small)