Dow Plastics Additives, a business group within The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:Dow) and leading innovator in plastics additives, introduces its pioneering new additive solutions for engineering polymers in the durables, electronics, and transportation (DE&T) markets at PLASTIC JAPAN 2012.  Specifically, ULTRALOIDTM Anti-Scratch Additives and a new generation of PARALOID™ EXL Optical Modifiers will be unveiled, with commercial launch targeted for 2nd half of 2012 and 2013 respectively.

PLASTIC JAPAN 2012 (April 11–13, 2012) is the first event of its kind for highly-functional plastics in Japan.  During the event, Dr. Eric G. Lundquist, global R&D director for Dow Plastics Additives, will deliver a key note address on April 11 entitled Additives for Highly Functional Plastics.  “The show is a perfect venue to showcase Dow Plastics Additives’ entire portfolio of highly innovative solutions for DE&T markets,” said Arthur Chiu, global marketing & product director for Dow Plastics Additives.  “Our upcoming product launches reinforce Dow’s standing as the innovation leader in these markets.”

The new range of ULTRALOID™ Anti-Scratch Additives provides scratch-resistance to polycarbonate by increasing surface hardness without compromising polymer flowability or mechanical strength.  ULTRALOID™ Additives increases pencil hardness of neat polycarbonate from B to H/2H without the use of complicated and expensive post-processing hard coatings. Ultimately, a suite of ULTRALOID™ Anti-Scratch Additives will be developed to cover a full range of opaque to transparent applications.

A new generation of PARALOID™ EXL Optical Modifiers has been designed specifically for LED (light emitting diodes) lighting applications.  LED lighting systems are becoming more prevalent due to their low energy consumption, long life, and lack of heavy metals.  However, LED light points are often too harsh for consumers, causing uncomfortable glare. The New PARALOID EXL Optical Modifiers serve as light diffusers when compounded with polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate, or polystyrene, and deliver superior light transmission (maximizing lumens per watt) while satisfying aesthetic requirements by providing softer lighting.

“Dow Plastics Additives’ new innovations have been driven by both strong global and Asia Pacific market needs, particularly in the consumer electronics and automotive sectors,” said Chiu. To learn more about these and other exciting innovations, please visit the Dow booth (3-38) during PLASTIC JAPAN.