1. Introduction
Plastic presents every aspect of life, from electric appliances to children’s toys. Plastic resin and filler masterbatch are the two most often used materials when making products from this material. The benefits and drawbacks of each are different. Plastic resin is highly pure, ensuring the quality of the finished product. Filler masterbatch, also known as plastic filler, is a versatile additive that can reduce the cost or improve the properties of plastic.
How are plastic resin and filler masterbatch different from one another? In this article, you’ll find all the details you need to know about the two varieties.
2. What Is The Difference Between Plastic Resin And Filler Masterbatch?
2.1. Origin – Characteristics
Plastic resins are derived from fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. The basic production process includes the following steps:
Step 1. Separate the components of petroleum or natural gas.
Step 2. Polymerize the components to form long molecular chains.
Step 3. Mold the plastic resins to the desired size and form.
Find out more about the production process at: What is Plastic Resin? How is Plastic Resin Made?
Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are examples of common plastic resin types.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a top choice for manufacturing a wide range of products.
Filler masterbatch is produced from these natural materials, like clay, limestone, paper pulp, and many others. The following steps are part of the production process:
Step 1. Prepare ingredients.
Step 2. Crush or grind ingredients into powder.
Step 3. Mold particles to the desired size and shape.
Some typical filler masterbatches: inorganic fillers (clay, CaCO3 filler masterbatch, mica), organic fillers (wood pulp, paper pulp, cellulose fiber)
In contrast to fillers, which can vary in color, turbidity, and gloss depending on the production components, plastic resins are clear or white and contain no contaminants. Plastic resin products are often better quality, last longer, and look better than products made from other materials, but they cost more and are harder to recycle. Filler masterbatch products are less expensive and easier to recycle, but at the same time, they are also of inferior quality, less long-lasting, and less aesthetically attractive.
Learn more about filler masterbatch: What is CaCO3 filler? Benefits of CaCO3 filler in plastic production
2.2. Methods to distinguish plastic resin and filler masterbatch?
The easiest way to tell two ingredients apart is to observe them.
Direct observation testing:
Plastic resins are typically bright white and have a smooth, uniform texture. Filler masterbatch, on the other hand, often has smaller particle size than the original plastic and a colorful look, due to its content of different colored fillers.
General-purpose machine testing:
Characteristic | Plastic Resin |
Filler Masterbatch |
Differential scanning calorimetry | High | Low |
Shore D hardness | High | Low |
Tensile Strength | High | Low |
Chemical analysis testing:
Chemical analysis methods can reveal the composition of plastic pellets. Virgin plastic pellets contain only plastic, while filler masterbatch contains plastic and other fillers.
2.3. Applications
One million plastic bottles are purchased every minute all over the world
- Prioritize quality and do not contain toxic substances: household appliances, children’s toys, electronics, medical devices, and food packaging.
- Direct contact with food: food containers, eating utensils, food packaging.
- Need low prices: garbage bags, supermarket bags, and agricultural mulch.
- Improve product properties: plastic pipes, construction materials, and automotive parts.
- Environmentally friendly: bioplastic bottles, biobags, and compostable packaging.
2.4. Sustainable plastic production and consumption: Plastic resins vs. filler masterbatches
According to the OECD, only 9% of plastic waste was successfully recycled in 2019