Compounder Teknor Apex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island / USA; www.teknorapex.com) has added a new compound and masterbatch based on a blend of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and high-impact PS (HIPS) to its “Terraloy” range of products. Terraloy BP-18003A is a ready-to-process compound comprising a blend of TPS with high-impact PS (HIPS), with up to 30% TPS content. Terraloy MB-18003A is a TPS/HIPS masterbatch, with a TPS content of up to 50%. Teknor Apex said both products are for use in typical HIPS applications such as cutlery, disposable razors, and other consumer products.

“The new Terraloy products are the first PS/starch blends that make it possible to effectively substitute for 100% HIPS in many applications,” said Edwin Tam, manager of new strategic initiatives. “While starch acts like a filler in conventional blends with HIPS and is incorporated through techniques that cause a dramatic fall-off in physical properties, the proprietary technology employed by Teknor Apex for Terraloy products disperses TPS in the host polymer in a unique morphological form that minimises property losses.”