Process aids
Repsol commercializes process aids under the name of REPSOL RYLEWAX.
These products act as process aids in the manufacture of rubber improving processability, reducing time and energy during mixing without modifying its final properties.
The characteristics of them lead to compound improvement by working on different points:
- Increase in plasticity of the raw mixture.
- Decrease in viscosity of the mixture.
- Increase in extrusion speed (outlet speed).
- Improving final aspect, making easier its demolding.
- Improvement in the dispersion and homogeneity of the fillers.
Non-polar Process aids based in Polyethylene wax, like Repsol Rylewax P, Rylewax AV, and Rylewax MV have different characteristics to be suitable with customer requirements and are recommended for reducing blend viscosity and considerably improving parts extrusion and injection, or as a binder for use in masterbatches and as a rheology modifier in both solid and liquid lubricants.
Polar Process aid based in paraffin wax and fatty acids, like Repsol Rylewax 16, is recommended for polar polymers in order to improve flow properties in the blends by reducing friction between polymer chains (internal lubrication) and decreasing friction with metal parts (external lubrication), thus preventing heat loss and resulting in increased efficiency during extrusion. In the processing of natural rubbers (NR) or synthetic rubbers (SBR, NBR, CR, and EPDM), or PVC because Repsol Rylewax 16 improves compound dispersion and decrease viscosity in the blend without affecting end properties. It is ideal for injection, extrusion, or calendaring processes.
