What is masterbatch?

Masterbatch is a granular shape polymer compound containing high concentration of an additive or pigment. They are used as additives in plastic processing to add color or a special property to final product.

Masterbatches are produced by melt mixing of plastic resins, additives, pigments, minerals, and many other ingredients. The process of production of masterbatches is batch or continuous. In batch process which is useful in production of small quantities, all of ingredients are weighed, physically solid mixed, and then melt mixed in an extruder or batch mixer. In continuous process the ingredients are continuously fed to the extruder and melt mixed in the extruder. After melt mixing, the resulting melt will be cooled and pelletized to granule shape masterbatch.

Masterbatches are categorized to color and additive masterbatches. The difference between color and additive masterbatches is the active part of the masterbatch.