| abstract |
A method of incorporating an additive into a polymer composition includes the step of melt blending a polymer with a dispersion comprising a liquid carrier, an unmodified clay, and an additive. Using the dispersion rather than a polymer-based additive masterbatch saves energy. Like a polymer-based masterbatch, the dispersion provides the additive in a diluted form and therefore preserves the masterbatch' s advantages of providing more uniform distribution additive in the plastic and avoiding direct handling of additives in the final compounding step. The dispersion is also described. |