Composite lubrication
Natural fibre composites (NFC) such as wood plastic composites (WPC), are composite materials made from plastic and fibres made from renewable resources (such as wood or plants). They are commonly used in applications such as outdoor decking, fencing, furniture, and automotive components. They are used because of their strength, their ability to be moulded into different shapes, their resistance to corrosion, rot and decay, and their recyclability. However, composite lubrication is needed to help during processing of these materials.
Why are lubricant additives used?
Lubricant additives are used in the production of wood plastic composites and other natural fibre composite materials to improve processing and increase output. The extrusion of wood and other natural fibre composite materials can be slow and energy consuming due to the dry nature of the material. This can lead to inefficient processes, a waste of energy and increased wear on machinery.
What are the benefits of using Croda’s lubricant additives?
Our lubricant additives can improve flow during extrusion and processing to improve output rates with minimal impact on mechanical properties and interactions with coupling agents.
Our additives can be incorporated directly into composite materials during extrusion, allowing the following benefits to be seen:
- Increased throughput
- Improved flow
- Superior dispersion
- Reduced processing temperatures & pressures
- Reduced wear on processing equipment
- Enhanced mold release
- Optimised mechanical properties
- Superior surface finish
- Reduced water absorption
How to choose the best lubricant additive to meet your needs?
Our product range provides different key performance benefits, depending on the most important requirements for the application:
- For optimised mechanical performance, we recommend Crodamide EBS
- For increased output, we recommend Crodamide OR
- For reduced water absorption, we recommend IncroMax 100
Product finder
View our range for composite lubricationSpeciality additives for wood plastic composites
Case study
Improved output and surface finish of WPC
A wood plastic composite (WPC) producer had been experiencing difficulties during the manufacture of extruded deck-boards. The deck-boards were made from 1/3 polypropylene (virgin and recycled) and 2/3 wood fibre. Due to the boards comprising of such a high proportion of wood the manufacturers were experiencing problems with processing. They were also suffering with high pressures on their equipment. A competitor's product was being used to try and alleviate these problems, but it was not performing very well.
We supplied the manufacturer with Crodamide OR. The product was incorporated into the WPC at 3% with an immediate, positive effect observed. Pressure on the machinery dropped and excellent lubricating properties were experienced during processing. Crodamide OR significantly outperformed the competitor's product without affecting friction in the finished product - the deck-boards remained non-slip!
Applications
Optislip™ EBO (Bead)
A secondary bis amide providing a medium slip and anti-block effect in polyolefin polar copolymers. It is particularly useful as an anti-tack additive in EVA pellets and hotmelt adhesives.
IncroMax™ 100
A unique additive for PET that helps reduce friction on the surface, improving production efficiencies and product quality. Also effective in PBT, PC and PLA.
Optislip™ OR (Pastille)
A primary amide additive in pastille form providing high slip performance in polyolefins, with quick migration properties.
Optislip™ EBO (Bead)
A secondary bis amide providing a medium slip and anti-block effect in polyolefin polar copolymers. It is particularly useful as an anti-tack additive in EVA pellets and hotmelt adhesives.
IncroMax™ 100
A unique additive for PET that helps reduce friction on the surface, improving production efficiencies and product quality. Also effective in PBT, PC and PLA.
Optislip™ OR (Pastille)
A primary amide additive in pastille form providing high slip performance in polyolefins, with quick migration properties.
