Plastics and Elastomers

Catalysts in Plastic Production

In the production of plastics, metal-based catalysts are used to initiate the polymerization reaction between monomers, resulting in the formation of long polymer chains. Metal-based catalysts, including tin catalysts like dibutyltin dilaurate, dioctyltin dilaurate and dibutyltin oxide, are used in the production of polyolefins, polyurethanes and polyesters, which are widely used in the manufacture of packaging materials, automotive parts, and household goods. Other metal catalysts are used in the production of engineering plastics, such as polycarbonates and polyamides, which are used in electronics and automotive components among other industries.

Catalysts in Elastomer Production

Similarly, in the production of elastomers, metal-based catalysts are used to initiate the polymerization reaction between monomers, resulting in the formation of crosslinked polymer chains. The most commonly used metal catalysts for elastomers are organic peroxides and metallic salts, which promote the crosslinking reaction and determine the final properties of the elastomer. Elastomers are used in a wide range of applications, such as automotive tires, gaskets, and seals.

Benefits of Using Metal-Based Catalysts in Plastic and Elastomer Production

The use of metal-based catalysts in manufacturing plastics and elastomers creates distinct benefits. Metal catalysts allow for a controlled and efficient polymerization or crosslinking reaction, resulting in high-quality materials with specific properties and performance characteristics within an efficient production workflow. Metal-based catalysts can be tailored to the specific needs of your application, allowing for the synthesis of materials with unique and specialized properties tailored to your needs. The use of metal catalysts can also increase productivity and reduce production time, leading to cost and time savings for manufacturers of plastics and elastomers.

Overview of Metal-Based Catalyst Use in Plastic and Elastomer Production

Essentially, the use of metal-based catalysts plays a critical role in the manufacturing of plastics and elastomers, allowing for the synthesis of materials with specific and pre-selected properties. The selection of the appropriate catalyst for each application is essential to bring out the desired characteristics in your materials.

If you’re not sure which metal-based catalyst you need, or have further questions on any of our products, please feel free to contact us. You may also request a specialty chemical sample of any of our listed products on their respective product pages.