Bracing for impact: making tougher compounds

As the plastics industry navigates a transformative period defined by circular economy targets, lightweighting, and stringent safety regulations, impact modification has evolved into a critical tool for compounders. Growing adoption of recycled plastics in car applications and rising demand for lightweight yet durable construction materials are accelerating automotive market expansion. Durable household and industrial goods are also incorporating recycled plastics while needing to display impact resistance. However, post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic materials often suffer from degraded mechanical properties due to heat history in the recycling process and require additives to restore or improve impact strength. In addition to the challenge of PCR incorporation, compounders are looking to improve impact performance of bio-based plastics, engineering polymers and styrenic materials.

在塑料行業(yè)轉(zhuǎn)型進入到以循環(huán)經(jīng)濟為目標(biāo)、輕量化以及嚴格的安全法規(guī)為核心的新階段，抗沖劑成為改性廠商的核心技術(shù)手段。再生塑料在汽車領(lǐng)域日益普及，兼具輕量化和高耐久性的結(jié)構(gòu)性材料需求持續(xù)攀升，進一步推動了汽車市場的繁榮。耐用家居和工業(yè)制品也開始大量使用再生塑料，同時對材料的抗沖性能提出硬性要求。然而，消費后回收塑料在回收過程中經(jīng)歷的熱歷史會導(dǎo)致機械性能下降，必須加添加劑或抗沖改性劑來恢復(fù)或提升抗沖強度。除了PCR材料應(yīng)用的技術(shù)難題，改性廠商們正在尋求改善生物基塑料、工程塑料和苯乙烯材料的抗沖性能。

Avient recently launched the Nymax REC 6000 High Impact series, an impact-modified, recycled polyamide line featuring 22 grades to help customers support circular economy goals and lower product carbon footprint (PCF) while maintaining performance on par with prime PA grades. The materials incorporate 42% to 93% post-industrial recycled (PIR) content, helping customers meet their sustainability targets without compromising on impact resistance, durability, or dimensional stability. 

Avient公司最近推出Nymax REC 6000高抗沖再生聚酰胺改性產(chǎn)品，共包含22個牌號。該系列助力企業(yè)踐行循環(huán)經(jīng)濟目標(biāo)，降低產(chǎn)品碳足跡，同時性能可媲美全新原生聚酰胺。產(chǎn)品添加工業(yè)再生料（PIR）比例可達42%-93%，在滿足企業(yè)可持續(xù)發(fā)展目標(biāo)的同時，兼顧優(yōu)異的抗沖擊性、耐用性與尺寸穩(wěn)定性。

The 22 formulations include eight unfilled grades and 14 glass-fibre-reinforced grades containing up to 30% glass fibre, with each offering tailored impact performance for a wide range of temperatures and requirements. Supported by Avient’s PCF Calculator, which is TüV-certified and aligned with ISO 14067, these materials deliver up to 83% reduction in carbon footprint versus prime versions. Target uses include applications across the automotive, building and construction, and consumer industries. 

22款配方包括8款未填充牌號和14款玻纖增強（玻纖最高添加量30%），每款產(chǎn)品可定制不同溫度和要求的抗沖性能。依托經(jīng) TüV 認證、符合 ISO 14067 標(biāo)準的Avient的碳足跡計算，該系列產(chǎn)品相比原生材料的碳足跡可降低83%，廣泛應(yīng)用包括汽車、建筑建材和消費行業(yè)。

“Avient is proud to deliver solutions that alignwith our customers sustainability objectives while maintaining the high performance they expect,” said Hermann Fuechter, Senior Marketing & Product Manager, Specialty Engineered Materials EMEA at Avient. “The Nymax REC High Impact portfolio demonstrates our commitment to innovating and advancing sustainable material options that meet market demands.” 

Avient公司歐洲、中東及非洲地區(qū)特種工程塑料高級市場和產(chǎn)品經(jīng)理Hermann Fuechter說道：“Avient很榮幸能為客戶提供兼顧可持續(xù)發(fā)展目標(biāo)與高端使用性能的解決方案。Nymax REC 高抗沖擊產(chǎn)品組合，彰顯了我們持續(xù)創(chuàng)新、研發(fā)適配市場需求的可持續(xù)材料的決心?！?/p>

Kuraray says a major theme in 2025 was the enhancement of recycled plastics and bio-based materials and began focusing its impact modifier portfolio on sustainability, recyclability, and performance enhancement. Its Septon and Hybrar TPEs are being promoted for improving impact resistance and durability in recycled PE/PP having been designed to address degradation in recycled plastics. Alongside them stands the Septon BIOseries, specifically formulated for improving the impact resistance of PLA, making it more suitable for high-durability, bio-based extrusion applications. 

Kuraray表示，2025年行業(yè)的一大趨勢是再生塑料和生物基材料的性能升級，企業(yè)已將抗沖產(chǎn)品線研發(fā)重心聚焦于可持續(xù)性、可回收性和性能提升等方向。旗下的Septon 和 Hybrar TPE專為改善再生PE/PP的老化降解而設(shè)計，可顯著提升聚烯烴材料的抗沖性能和耐用性。同時，Septon 生物基系列專為改善PLA抗沖性能而設(shè)計，使其更適用于高耐久生物基擠出成型應(yīng)用。

At K2025, the company highlighted the ISCC Plus-certified PMMA-based resin Parapet which allows the replacement of ABS/ASA plastics with high-performance acrylic making it possible to recycle rear lamps for the first time. “This process was previously considered unfeasible,” said Rammaru Funaoka, Specialist, PMMA Business Development at Kuraray Europe. “The composite materials, PMMA for the lens cover and ASA/ABS for the housing, are usually thermally fused, which makes it difficult to separate them. When manufacturing new rear lamps, ASA can be completely replaced by Parapet, eliminating the need to separate materials. Existing rear lamps, on the other hand, can be crushed without disassembly and recycled using Parapet impact modifier grades.” 

在2025年德國K展上，Kuraray重點展出通過ISCC Plus認證的Parapet 聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯（PMMA）樹脂。該高性能丙烯酸樹脂可替代丙烯腈-丁二烯-苯乙烯共聚物（ABS）/ 丙烯腈-苯乙烯-丙烯酸酯共聚物（ASA）塑料，首次實現(xiàn)汽車尾燈的可回收利用。Kuraray歐洲 PMMA 業(yè)務(wù)開發(fā)專家Rammaru Funaoka表示：“以往這一工藝被認為難以落地。汽車尾燈由 PMMA 燈罩與 ASA/ABS 殼體熱熔復(fù)合而成，材料難以分離。采用 Parapet 樹脂生產(chǎn)全新尾燈，可完全替代 ASA 材料，省去材料分離工序；而廢舊尾燈無需拆解，直接破碎后搭配 Parapet 系列抗沖擊改性劑即可回收再造?！?/p>

Engineering plastics

SK Functional Polymer the France-based manufacturer established in 2020 after SK Group’s acquisition of Arkema’s functional polyolefins business – has developed Lotader AX8900T, a new impact modifying additive for engineering plastics with a high content of epoxide groups (8% of glycidyl methacrylate), and which can also be used for rheology control and as a matting agent. Lotader AX8900T maintains good impact performance when it is combined with a non-reactive Lotryl EMA/EBA copolymer and has the ability to increase viscosity.

法國SK功能聚合物公司（2020 年由SK集團收購阿科瑪功能性聚烯烴業(yè)務(wù)后成立）研發(fā)出Lotader AX8900T新型工程塑料抗沖劑。該產(chǎn)品含有高含量的環(huán)氧基團（含8%甲基丙烯酸縮水甘油酯），同時兼具控制流變和消光功能，Lotader AX8900T與非反應(yīng)型Lotryl EMA/EBA 共聚物混合，在提供流動性的同時還可以維持優(yōu)異抗沖性能。

In polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) compounds, the company says the additive is very efficient at increasing melt strength and, combined with Lotryl 35BA40T, can be used to improve the impact resistance of PBT with limited increase of viscosity. Lotader AX8900T and Lotryl 40MA05T both offer high impact resistance in recycled HIPS, while otryl 28BA700T also increases the fluidity of engineering plastics such as PC/ABS while boosting impact resistance.

該企業(yè)表示，Lotader AX8900T應(yīng)用于PBT聚合物時，可有效提升PBT的熔體強度， 與Lotryl 35BA40T復(fù)配，能在黏度增幅可控的前提下，顯著改善PBT抗沖擊性。Lotader AX8900T與Lotryl 40MA05T均可大幅提升再生高抗沖聚苯乙烯（HIPS）的抗沖擊性能；Lotryl 28BA700T則可在增強 PC/ABS 等工程塑料抗沖擊性的同時，提升熔體流動性。

At JEC World 2026, Xenia officially launched Xelamid, a new family of impact-modified compounds based on polyamide 11 and PA 12. Its balanced combination of high mechanical properties, lightness, and design flexibility, means Xelamid is well suited for applications in sports equipment, consumer goods, and industrial sectors. The modular nature of the portfolio provides versatile options for a variety of advanced applications, enabling designers and manufacturers to select grades tailored to specific requirements, said Xenia.

在2026年歐洲JEC復(fù)合材料展上，Xenia正式推出Xelamid全新抗沖改性復(fù)合材料，該系列材料基于PA11和PA12，兼具優(yōu)異的力學(xué)性能、質(zhì)輕和設(shè)計自由等特點，這意味著在Xelamid適用于體育設(shè)施、消費品及工業(yè)領(lǐng)域。Xenia表示，產(chǎn)品模塊化配方可以滿足各類高端定制需求，確保設(shè)計師和生產(chǎn)商按需選型。

Developed to combine mechanical performance with low density, Xelamid consists of unfilled,impact-modified grades offering an optimised balance of stiffness, impact resistance, and energy absorption. The portfolio covers a range of performance levels across key parameters, with different compounds reaching up to 30% higher elongation at break or up to ten timesgreater impact resistance compared to standard polyamides. Selected formulations also reach a flexural modulus of up to 600 MPa and a tensile modulus of up to 700 MPa, delivering a combination of rigidity and structural stability.

Xelamid 主打輕量化于性能兼顧，無填充抗沖改性牌號可以實現(xiàn)剛性、抗沖性和吸能性的平衡。相較通用型聚酰胺，部分配方斷裂伸長率最高提升30%，抗沖擊性能最高可達十倍；精選牌號彎曲模量最高600Mpa、拉伸模量最高700Mpa，剛性與結(jié)構(gòu)穩(wěn)定性兼?zhèn)洹?/p>

“Compared to elastomer-modified materials based on short-chain polyamides such as PA 6, Xelamid ensures extremely low moisture absorption, reduced density, and high impact resistance, delivering stable and reliable performance even at low temperatures,” said Alfio Agostini, Key Account Manager at Xenia. 

Xenia大客戶經(jīng)理Alfio Agostini稱：“相較于聚酰胺6等短鏈聚酰胺彈性體抗沖改性材料，Xelamid具有極低吸水率，更低密度和高抗沖性，即便在低溫環(huán)境下也保持著穩(wěn)定且可靠的性能。”

Styrenic focus

ELIX 158I from styrenics group Elix Polymers is an ABS-based impact modifier specifically developed to enhance the toughness of engineering plastics. Its morphology and phase distribution provides excellent performance at low temperatures, the company said, ensuring high impact resistance even under demanding conditions or stringent material specifications. A particularly valuable advantage is its effectiveness in formulations containing recycled content where it compensates for degradation or heterogeneity, restoring mechanical performance and enabling higher incorporation rates of recycled materials.

Elix Polymers集團推出的ELIX 158I 是一款A(yù)BS基的抗沖改性劑，專門研發(fā)用來提升工程塑料的韌性，產(chǎn)品特殊的微觀結(jié)構(gòu)和相態(tài)分布賦予其優(yōu)異的低溫抗沖性能，嚴苛工況與高標(biāo)準材料規(guī)格下仍能保持高韌性。特別適用于含再生料配方，可彌補再生料性能衰減和組分不均的問題，恢復(fù)力學(xué)性能，使其可以加入更多含量的再生料。

As part of its long term sustainability strategy, Elix Polymers also offers a growing range of compounds in the E Loop portfolio manufactured using certified circular and bio-based feedstocks, ensuring identical performance to virgin materials while contributing to a lower environmental footprint. All E Loop products are ISCC-Plus certified and follow the mass balance approach, guaranteeing traceability and transparency throughout the value chain. By combining advanced performance modifiers such as ELIX 158I with the sustainable E Loop product family, the company says it supports its customers in developing innovative, robust, and environmentally responsible material solutions. 

作為長期可持續(xù)發(fā)展戰(zhàn)略的一部分，Elix Polymers公司旗下的E Loop產(chǎn)品系列繼續(xù)擴容，采用經(jīng)認證的循環(huán)材料和生物基原料生產(chǎn)，性能與原生料完全一致，同時產(chǎn)生更低的環(huán)境碳足跡。所有的E Loop 產(chǎn)品經(jīng)過ISCC-Plus認證，采用質(zhì)量平衡核算方式，確保整個產(chǎn)業(yè)鏈的可追溯性和透明性。企業(yè)表示，將ELIX 158I等高端改性劑與可持續(xù)E Loop產(chǎn)品結(jié)合，可為客戶打造創(chuàng)新、耐用且環(huán)保的材料解決方案。

Ineos Styrolution has introduced three new modifier grades, Styroflex PG77, Styrolux VSA, and Styrolux VSD, providing compounders with a structured method of fine-tuning properties within existing formulations. At the centre of this threegrade system is Styroflex PG77 which improves impact strength and flexibility while enhancing compatibility between polymers that typically donot mix well. In blends of styrenic polymers and PE, it reduces phase separation and strengthens interfacial adhesion, resulting in more consistent mechanical performance and fewer formulation adjustments. It also delivers strong elastic behaviour, supporting demanding film and sheet applications. 

Ineos Styrolution公司推出三款新型抗沖改性劑：Styroflex PG77, Styrolux VSA和Styrolux VSD，為改性廠商的現(xiàn)有配方提供精細化調(diào)控方案。三款產(chǎn)品的核心為Styroflex PG77，既能改善抗沖性和柔韌性，又可改善不相容聚合物間的相容性。在苯乙烯聚合物與聚乙烯共混體系中，可減少相分離、增強界面結(jié)合，力學(xué)性能更穩(wěn)定，減少配方調(diào)試成本，同時具備出色彈性，適配高端薄膜與片材制品。

Impact strength remains high under standard conditions, with performance decreasing below minus 20°C due to its lower butadiene content compared with conventional SBS materials. In filler-rich systems, the material interacts effectively with calcium carbonate, carbon black, ceramic particulates, carbon fibres, glass fibres, and natural fibres, while improved dispersion supports uniform mechanical properties and enables higher filler levels without compromising impact balance. It also improves melt flow and reduces internal stress during extrusion and injection moulding, supporting smoother production and consistent part quality. 

Styroflex PG77在常規(guī)工況下材料沖擊強度優(yōu)異；但因其丁二烯含量低于傳統(tǒng)SBS，零下20℃以下低溫性能略有衰減。在高填料體系中，可與碳酸鈣、炭黑、陶瓷粉體、碳纖維、玻纖及天然纖維等相容性佳，填料的分散性提升，在不犧牲抗沖擊平衡的前提下提高填料添加量；同時改善擠出與注塑成型的熔體流動性、降低內(nèi)應(yīng)力，生產(chǎn)更順暢、制品質(zhì)量更穩(wěn)定。

Styrolux VSA and Styrolux VSD complement PG77 with lower butadiene content, higher stiffness, dimensional stability, and optical clarity. Structural differences between the two grades allow precise adjustment of melt behaviour, particularly in film extrusion, thin sheet production, and thermoforming. In combination with PG77, they enable accurate balancing of stiffness, transparency, and surface performance. This system is compatible with a broad range of styrenic polymers including GPPS, HIPS, SBC, and SMMA, and shows partial compatibility with ABS, PC, PE, PP, and SAN. 

“The real value of this three-grade system lies in the added control it gives compounders,” said Dr Frank Eisentr?ger, Director Market Development at Ineos Styrolution. “It allows them to balance toughness, stiffness, and processing with greater precision, opening the door to new applications across multiple markets.” 

Styrolux VSA 和Styrolux VSD是PG77的補充型號，具有更低的丁二烯含量、更高的剛性、尺寸穩(wěn)定性和透度。兩款牌號結(jié)構(gòu)差異可精準調(diào)控熔體流變特性，尤其適用于薄膜擠出、薄板材成型及熱成型工藝。三者復(fù)配可精準平衡材料剛性、透明度與表面性能，適用于GPPS、HIPS、SBC、SMMA等全系列苯乙烯材料，與 ABS、聚碳酸酯（PC）、聚乙烯、聚丙烯、SAN也具備部分相容性。Ineos Styrolution市場開發(fā)總監(jiān)Frank Eisentr?ger表示：“這款三牌號組合體系的核心價值，在于為共混廠商提供更精細的性能調(diào)控能力，可精準平衡韌性、剛性與加工性能，開拓多領(lǐng)域全新應(yīng)用場景。”

Synergistic study

Kraton Polymers has carried out R&D work in modifying thermoplastic polyolefins (TPOs) with styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) and polyolefin elastomers (POEs) used together in a single formulation. These two families of polymers each bring distinct advantages and can create synergies to improve toughness, stiffness, and processing behaviour, while helping reduce overall material usage. Standard PP-based TPOs can be stiff and require improved flexibility and impact resistance in automotive interior trim and other applications. 

Kraton Polymers公司開展熱塑性彈性體（TPOs）協(xié)同改性研究，通過在同一配方體系同時使用SBC和POE。兩類聚合物各具特色，復(fù)配后產(chǎn)生協(xié)同性能，在提升韌性、剛性和加工性能的同時，還可以降低材料的整體使用。傳統(tǒng)的PP基TPO剛性偏高，在汽車內(nèi)飾場景需提升柔韌性和抗沖性能。

SBCs are often used because they have a unique molecular structure that helps them act as performance boosters for TPOs. They can enhance toughness at lower levels compared to traditional impact modifiers, resulting in favourable toughness/stiffness balance. 

SBC憑借其獨特分子結(jié)構(gòu)，常作為TPO的性能增效劑。相比傳統(tǒng)型增韌劑，SBC在更低添加量實現(xiàn)高韌性，兼具韌性和剛性平衡。

“In our most recent study, we investigated the synergistic use of SBCs in combination with POEs and how these modifiers influence TPO behaviour, while explaining the key benefits for the industry,” said Kristof Verschueren, senior Market Manager at Kraton Polymers, Belgium. “Hydrogenated SBCs have traditionally served as impact modifiers in TPO compounds. Kraton G1657 and G1730 are specifically designed for PP modification. Although POEs are increasingly used as alternative modifiers, SBCs remain valuable as secondary components in combination with POEs, enhancing the impact/stiffness balance and improving melt flow.” 

Kraton Polymers比利時高級市場經(jīng)理 Kristof Verschueren表示：“我們最新研究聚焦于SBC和POE的協(xié)同作用機理，以及改性劑對TPO性能的影響，同時解析該技術(shù)為行業(yè)帶來的核心價值，氫化SBCs一直是熱塑性彈性體的傳統(tǒng)抗沖改性劑，Kraton G1657 和G1730 專門為PP改性而設(shè)計，盡管POE的應(yīng)用日益增加，但SBCs作為輔助組分與POE復(fù)配，仍可進一步優(yōu)化抗沖擊與剛性平衡，提升熔體流動性。”

The company carried out a study on talc-filled TPO compounds based on a high-flow PP homopolymer (100 MFR) matrix. Each formulation contained 15 wt.% talc and 25 wt.% impact modifiers, comprising a blend of POE and SBC, with SBC content varying from 0 to 5 wt.%. Results showed a three- to five-fold improvement in notched Charpy impact strength at both room temperature and -30° C when 5 wt.% SBC (G1657 or G1730) was incorporated, compared with formulations containing only POE. SBC addition also improved melt flow relative to POE-only formulations. The study also revealed that both G1657 and G1730 demonstrated synergy with low-density POEs, enabling optimised TPO performance for various industry applications and providing balanced performance/cost, said Kraton.

該公司以高流動均聚聚丙烯（熔體流動速率 100）為基材，開展滑石粉填充熱塑性聚烯烴配方研究：所有配方固定滑石粉添加量15%、抗沖擊改性劑總添加量 25%，聚烯烴彈性體與苯乙烯嵌段共聚物復(fù)配，其中苯乙烯嵌段共聚物占比 0~5%。測試結(jié)果顯示：室溫及零下30℃環(huán)境下，添加5%科騰 G1657 或 G1730 的配方，簡支梁缺口沖擊強度較純聚烯烴彈性體配方提升3~5倍，熔體流動性也同步改善。研究證實，G1657、G1730 均可與低密度聚烯烴彈性體形成良好協(xié)同，適配多行業(yè)熱塑性聚烯烴定制化需求，實現(xiàn)性能與成本的最優(yōu)平衡。

PLA modification

PLA bio-based polymer was first introduced to consumers in food service ware and packaging because it was biodegradable in industrial composting facilities. However, the impact strength and heat tolerance of the material is quite low, making it inadequate for more demanding applications. There are many commercially available materials used as impact modifiers for PLA. TPU elastomers with both polyether and polyester soft segments are compatible, while olefin elastomers like polybutadiene, ethylene-propylene, and EPDM, can also be functionalised and blended with PLA.

PLA為經(jīng)典生物基材料，最初憑借工業(yè)堆肥可生物降解特性，應(yīng)用于餐飲器具與包裝領(lǐng)域。但PLA本身抗沖擊強度低、耐熱性差，難以滿足高端嚴苛使用需求。目前市面已有多款專用聚乳酸抗沖擊改性劑：含聚醚、聚酯軟段的熱塑性聚氨酯（TPU）彈性體與之相容性良好；聚丁二烯、乙丙橡膠、三元乙丙橡膠等烯烴彈性體經(jīng)功能化改性后，也可與聚乳酸共混改性。

Using Green Dot’s Terratek Flex compostable elastomeric bioplastic in PLA has been shown to increase impact strength and flexibility while enhancing compostability, according to the company. Terratek Flex is a proprietary patent pending starch-based compostable elastomer verified by SGS Fresenius Laboratories to meet US (ASTM D6400) and EU (EN 13432-08) standards for biodegradability in industrial composting facilities. 

Green Dot表示，將旗下可堆肥彈性生物塑料Terratek Flex添加至聚乳酸中，可同步提升材料抗沖擊性、柔韌性與生物降解性能。Terratek Flex是一種基于淀粉的可堆肥彈性體，目前正處于專利申請階段，經(jīng) SGS Fresenius實驗室認證，符合美國ASTM D6400及歐盟EN 13432-08 工業(yè)堆肥生物降解標(biāo)準。

To study its use in detail, Green Dot compounded PLA with Terratek Flex at 10%, 20%, and 30%, and sent the samples to an independent laboratory where they were moulded and tested using ASTM standards. Notched Izod Pendulum Impact tests showed an incremental increase in impact strength at the 10% and 20% levels with greater increases in impact strength achieved between the 20% and 30% levels. Impact strength increased from 0.549 ftlb/in in the 10% sample to 0.66 ftlb/in in the 20% sample, then jumped to 1.82 ftlb/in for the 30% loading level. Un-notched Izod tests showed comparable results. 

為量化改性效果， Green Dot按10%、20%、30% 比例將Terratek Flex與PLA共混制樣，委托獨立實驗室依據(jù) ASTM 標(biāo)準注塑測試。懸臂梁缺口沖擊測試表明：10%、20%添加比例下沖擊強度呈線性增長，20%至30%區(qū)間的增幅大幅躍升；沖擊強度從10%添加量的0.549英尺?磅/英寸升至20%的0.66英尺?磅/英寸，30%添加量更是飆升至1.82英尺?磅/英寸，無缺口沖擊測試呈現(xiàn)與缺口沖擊相近規(guī)律。

“From 0% to 20%, the increase is very linear,” noted Green Dot’s Product Development Manager, Mike Parker. “After 20%, however, we see a much more exponential increase in the impact strength of both the notched and un-notched test results. This feature allows the engineer to customise the properties of the final resin and provides a certain degree of control to their cost to performance ratio.

Green Dot公司產(chǎn)品開發(fā)經(jīng)理Mike Parker說道：“從0%到20%，沖擊強度呈線性提升，超過20%后，缺口與無缺口試樣的沖擊強度均呈指數(shù)級增長。這一特性便于材料工程師定制樹脂最終性能，同時精準調(diào)控成本與性能配比。”