| Additive |
Affect |
| Mechanical Property Modifiers |
| Plasticizers |
increase flexibility |
| Impact modifiers |
improve impact strength |
| Reinforcing fillers |
increase strength properties |
| Nucleating agents |
modify crystalline morphology |
| Surface Property Modifiers |
| Slip and antiblocking agents |
precent film and sheet sticking |
| Lubricants |
precent sticking to machinery |
| Antistatic agents |
prevent static charge on surfaces |
| Coupling agents |
improve bonding between polymer and filler |
| Wetting agents |
stabilize dispersions of filler |
| Antifogging agents |
disperse moisture droplets on films |
| Chemical Property Modifiers |
| Flame retardants |
reduce flammability |
| Ultraviolet stabilizers |
improves light stability |
| Antioxidants |
prevent oxidative degradation |
| Biocides |
prevent mildew |
| Aesthetic Property Modifiers |
| Dyes and pigments |
impart color |
| Odorants |
add fragrance |
| Deodorants |
prevent development of odor |
| Nucleating agents |
improve light transmission |
| Processing Modifiers |
| Plasticizers |
reduce melt viscosity |
| Slip agents and lubricants |
prevent sticking to processing machinery |
| Low-profile additives |
prevent shrinkage and warpage |
| Thickening agents |
increase viscosity of polymer solutions or dispersions |
| Heat stabilizers |
prevent degradation during processing |
| Defoaming agents |
reduce foaming |
| Blowing agents |
manufacture stable foams |
| Emulsifiers |
stabilize polymer emulsions |
| Crosslinking (curing) agents |
crosslink polymer |
| Promoters |
speed up crosslinking (curing) |