Chemical distributor Nordmann, Rassmann (NRC, Hamburg / Germany; www.nrc.de) has commenced European distribution for Earth-Glass (Fair Oaks, California / USA; www.earth-glass.com). The American company specialises in the production of plastics additive “Vitrolite”, which is claimed to reduce polymer melt viscosity at concentrations of less than 0.5% without compromising the mechanical properties of the finished product.

“Vitrolite” is a multifunctional mineral based on natural amorphous aluminosilicate deposits that is available in powdered form and a variety of particle sizes suitable for the processing of all plastics. It is inert, non-toxic, non-flammable, and does not interact chemically with either polymers or additives, making it suitable for use in medical and food contact as well as electrical applications. Using the material during the extrusion process, the viscosity of melts decreases substantially in low to medium shear-rate environments and increases with higher shear rates, NRC said.