Meets demanding temperature and high fill level requirements.
Widely used in product packaging, white masterbatch is a highly filled compound of titanium dioxide (TiO2), polymers and additives. The titanium dioxide creates the desired product opacity, while the choice of resins, TiO2 grade, fillers and extenders determines the quality and compounding costs. Product applications and performance are also a significant factor in formulation and costs, for example, meeting the strict food packaging standards for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FCMTM, Farrel Continuous Mixer offers superior compounding for abrasive white masterbatch while providing excellent dispersion and thermal stability. From highly demanding applications, such as extrusion coating, to those that are more economical, Farrel Continuous Mixers provide the low processing temperatures and high fill levels required for profitable white masterbatch compounding.
Material characteristics and challenges
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is naturally occurring and is generally sourced from ilmenite, rutile and anatase. Compounding TiO2 with a polymer carrier and other additives creates the white masterbatch. Common polymer-carriers for the application include:
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) MFR 1‑3
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)/polypropylene (PP)
Low density polyethylene (LDPE)/LLDPE MRF 20-50
PP MFR 10‑20
Farrel Continuous Mixers are designed to address the many challenges of white masterbatch processing including:
A unique rotor geometry, specifically designed for masterbatch production, ensures optimum dispersion of the titanium dioxide
Large rotor tip to wall clearances, repairable rotors and screw, and a variety of optional rotor coatings minimizes abrasion and corrosion wear for longer life of key components
An adjustable orifice and rotor speed during production as well as multiple temperature control zones and rotor cooling maintain ideal processing temperature
A large free volume mixing chamber for material circulation enables superior distribution
A variety of production sizes to meet large throughput requirements for economies of scale and profitability
Using white masterbatch for a variety of products
Common applications for white masterbatch include:
Milk bottles and packages
Pharmaceutical packaging
Bags
Housewares
Food packaging
Flexible packaging
