Styrenic Block Copolymer, Mixed Plastic Waste Compatibilizer, Recycled Plastic Performance Enhancer, Polyolefin Recycling Additive, Plastic Upcycling Additive, SBC, 66070-58-4, 9003-55-8

Summary Table of CAS Numbers

The CirKular+™ series are high-performance additives developed by Kraton Corporation. They are designed to improve the mechanical properties of recycled plastics (PCR/PIR) and enable compatibility between different polymer types (polar and non-polar). These products play a critical role in the recovery of difficult-to-recycle multi-layer packaging and the "upcycling" of recycled materials.

1. CirKular+™ C1000 - General Purpose Compatibilizer

Product Description
CirKular+™ C1000 is a high-flow compatibilizer providing excellent compatibility in a wide range of polar and non-polar plastic blends. It reduces interfacial tension between incompatible polymers during recycling, resulting in a homogenous mixture.

Key Properties

• Polymer Compatibility: Polyolefins (PP/PE), Polystyrene (PS/HIPS), Engineering Plastics (PET/PA/PC), Bioplastics (PLA), and EVOH.

• Maximum Processing Temperature: 280°C

• FDA Clearance: Yes (Suitable for food contact)

• Physical Form: Pellet

Applications

• Multi-layer packaging films (e.g., PE/EVOH/PE structures).

• Engineering plastic blends like PET/PA.

• Improving mechanical properties of recycled material blends.

Technical Advantages

• High impact strength even at low addition rates (3-5%).

• Increased elongation at break.

• Enhanced processability of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials.

2. CirKular+™ C1010 - High-Performance Compatibilizer

Product Description
CirKular+™ C1010 is similar to C1000 but features a higher Melt Flow Index (MFI). This enables more effective dispersion, especially in systems containing Polyamide (PA/Nylon). Its high flow makes it ideal for thin-film and injection molding applications.

Key Properties

• Polymer Compatibility: Optimized for all PA (Nylon)-containing systems, particularly LLDPE/PA6 composite films.

• Maximum Processing Temperature: 280°C

• FDA Clearance: Yes

• Melt Flow Index (MFI): 34 g/10min (High flowability)

• Sustainability: Available with 50% Recycled Content (C1010 RC).

Applications

• Nylon-containing barrier films (e.g., LLDPE/PA6 shipping sacks).

• High-speed extrusion and injection molding processes.

• Compatibility improvement in rigid packaging waste (PP/PA blends).

Technical Advantages

• Superior dispersibility resulting in smoother surface quality compared to C1000.

• Prevents delamination in PA-containing blends.

• Reduces carbon footprint with the 50% recycled version.

3. CirKular+™ C2000 - General Performance Enhancer

Product Description
CirKular+™ C2000 is both a compatibilizer and a mechanical performance enhancer. It compensates for viscosity loss and mechanical property degradation encountered during the processing of recycled polymers. It has been specifically tested for rigid packaging recycling.

Key Properties

• Polymer Compatibility: HDPE, PP, Polyethylene-based blends.

• Maximum Processing Temperature: 280°C

• Certification: APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers) Critical Guidance Recognition – Flexible Packaging.

• Certification: Recyclass Technical Approval – Rigid Containers (HDPE/PP).

Applications

• Recycling of HDPE and PP bottles and containers.

• Upgrading recycled materials (rHDPE, rPP) from rigid plastic waste.

• Development of "Design for Recycling" products.

Technical Advantages

• Stabilizes the flowability of material after recycling.

• Increases tensile and flexural strength in recycled materials.

• Maintains material integrity even after multiple recycling cycles.

4. CirKular+™ C3000 - Low Temperature / Special Application

Product Description
CirKular+™ C3000 is designed for applications requiring a low processing temperature. It provides compatibility while preventing degradation of thermally sensitive polymers during recycling.

Key Properties

• Polymer Compatibility: HDPE, PP, Engineering plastics with low melting temperatures.

• Maximum Processing Temperature: 200°C (Lower than other grades).

• Certification: Recyclass Technical Approval – Rigid Containers (HDPE/PP).

• FDA Clearance: Yes

Applications

• Low-temperature extrusion or injection molding processes.

• Recycling streams containing heat-sensitive additives.

• Bioplastic blends with low melting temperatures.

Technical Advantages

• Minimizes thermal degradation, ensuring color stability.

• High compatibility yield during low-temperature processing.

• Ideal processing window for sensitive polymers.

5. CirKular+™ C5000

Note: Specific technical data for CirKular+™ C5000 was not available in the current search results. This grade typically represents the highest performance or most specific application version within the series. Please visit the official Kraton Corporation website or contact your regional sales representative for a detailed Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and maximum processing temperature information.

Application Notes & Recommendations

Typical Addition Rate:

• Generally used at 2% - 10% by weight of the total formulation.

• Recommended starting dose: 5% (w/w) . Optimum dosage should be determined through laboratory testing based on the contamination level of the recycled material and target mechanical properties.

Processing Conditions:

• All grades (except C3000) maintain thermal stability up to 280°C. This enables recycling with high-temperature polymers like PET (255°C) or PA (280°C).

• Drying is not required, but if exposed to moisture, drying at 60°C for 2-4 hours is recommended.

Storage:

• Store products in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in their original packaging.

• Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Compatibility:

• These products are compatible with most polymers listed above. However, testing is recommended when blending with highly chlorinated polymers such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).

Disclaimer: The information in this document is based on technical data. Users are required to test the products for their specific applications. These products are not cleared for use in medical devices or critical applications outside of food contact without written approval from Kraton.

CirKular+™ Series: Sector Compatibility, Detailed Comparison & Usage Rates

1. Sector Compatibility Table

The table below maps each CirKular+™ grade against the plastic types it is compatible with, based on official technical data sheets and APR certifications .

Key Notes on Compatibility:

• C1000 / C1010 Series: These are "multi-resin" compatibilizers. They are designed to bridge the gap between non-polar plastics (like Polyethylene) and polar engineering plastics (like PET, PA, EVOH, and PC). They are the only grades suitable for bioplastics (PLA) and wood-plastic composites .

• C2000 Series: While primarily a performance enhancer for polyolefin streams, C2000 also offers compatibility with EVOH and PA, making it suitable for multi-layer barrier films .

• C3000 Series: Designed specifically for polyolefin (HDPE/PP) recycling streams. It focuses on mechanical property improvement without the need for high-temperature processing .

2. Detailed Cross-Comparison (C1000 vs C1010 vs C2000 vs C3000)

This comparison highlights the specific differences and optimal use-cases for each grade.

CirKular+™ C1000 (General Purpose Compatibilizer)

• Primary Function: Multi-resin compatibilization.

• Melt Flow Index (MFI): 22 g/10min (230°C/5kg) .

• Max Temp: 280°C.

• Key Feature: Broadest compatibility. The "workhorse" for blending unknown or mixed plastic waste streams.

• Ideal For: General recycling where the input stream contains a mix of PET, PA, PP, and PE.

• APR Certification: Yes (for PE/EVOH blends) .

CirKular+™ C1010 (High-Flow Compatibilizer)

• Primary Function: High-performance compatibilization.

• Melt Flow Index (MFI): 34 g/10min (Higher flow) .

• Max Temp: 280°C.

• Key Feature: Superior dispersion. Optimized for Nylon (PA6) containing systems.

• Ideal For: Thin films, injection molding, and LLDPE/PA6 multi-layer packaging.

• APR Certification: Yes (specifically for PE/PA6 films) .

CirKular+™ C2000 (Performance Enhancer)

• Primary Function: Mechanical property improvement + compatibilization.

• Melt Flow Index (MFI): 24 g/10min .

• Max Temp: 280°C.

• Key Feature: Balances stiffness and impact resistance while maintaining compatibility.

• Ideal For: Rigid packaging (HDPE/PP bottles & caps) and flexible films requiring high durability.

• APR Certification: Yes (HDPE, PP, and PE Films) .

CirKular+™ C3000 (Low Temperature Modifier)

• Primary Function: Impact modification for polyolefins.

• Melt Flow Index (MFI): 11 g/10min .

• Max Temp: 200°C.

• Key Feature: Low processing temperature required. Protects heat-sensitive additives or polymers.

• Ideal For: Low-melting point biopolymer blends or recycled PP with volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• APR Certification: RecyClass certified for HDPE/PP containers .

3. Recommended Usage Rates (Addition Levels)

The optimal addition rate depends on the specific polymer blend and contamination level. Below are the scientifically validated rates from APR testing and supplier data sheets.

General Guidelines

• Typical Range: 3% to 5% by weight of the total formulation .

• Minimum Effective Dose: 2% (for specific applications like EVOH barriers).

Specific Formulation Recommendations (APR Certified)

Based on tests conducted for the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) recognition, the following rates are proven to meet recyclability standards :

Performance Impact Data

At a 5% total loading (e.g., 5% C1000/C2000 blend in LLDPE/EVOH), test results showed :

• Dart Drop Impact: Maintained or exceeded virgin LLDPE levels.

• Melt Flow Rate: Stabilized, indicating good processability.

• Tensile Strength: Retained across multiple recycling passes.

How to Use

1. Dry Blending: Can be dry blended with recycled regrind or flakes before extrusion.

2. Compounding: For best results, pre-compound into masterbatch pellets.

3. Processing: Compatible with extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming .

Summary of Selection by Goal

• To fix mixed plastic contamination (PET/PA/PE): Use C1000 or C1010.

• To increase impact strength of recycled HDPE/PP: Use C2000.

• To recycle Nylon-6 barrier films: Use C1010 (3%) + C2000 (2%).

• To recycle EVOH barrier films: Use C1000 (2%) + C2000 (3%).

Documents

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• Betakim Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBC) C2000, C3000, C5000.pdf
• Betakim Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBC) C1000, C1010 recycled.pdf
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