As the new year got underway, German chemicals distributor Velox (Hamburg; www.velox.com) started distributing Axalta Polymer Powders Switzerland’s (Bull / Switzerland; www.dupontpowder.ch) “Coathylene” line of thermoplastics powders and speciality additives across Europe. The agreement builds on the two companies’ existing collaboration in masterbatch production as well as rubber and plastics compounding.

The “Coathylene” line includes thermoplastic powders in different particle sizes consisting of LDPE, HDPE, PP, EVA, PS, EEAMA and EVA. The materials are mostly used as carrier resin for masterbatch processing, but also as processing aides for the compounding of tacky polymers. Velox said that thanks to their excellent dispersion capabilities, the powders not only ensure cost and material savings, but also improve pigment dispersion, thus minimising mechanical abrasion.

Other characteristics of the range include non-sticking properties as anticaking additives, as well as compatibility with a wide range of polymers, including EPDM. Most Coathylene products have been approved for food use, Velox added.

Axalta Polymer Powders Switzerland is the new name of DuPont Polymer Powders Switzerland following the Carlyle Group’s (Washington, DC / USA; www.carlyle.com) acquisition of DuPont’s Performance Coatings business early last year – see Plasteurope.com of 25.07.2013.