STEER embarks on special effect pigments research

STEER, creator of advanced materials platform technologies that effectively transform and functionalize materials in the fields of plastics, pharmaceuticals, food & nutraceuticals, biomaterials and biorefining, has entered into research collaboration with Merck, a leading science & technology company, on creating co-rotating twin screw extruder technology to process special effect pigments.

The research collaboration will focus on accelerating the development of an appropriate technology for the plastic industry to effectively process special effect pigments. While STEER will use process know-how, technology platform and knowledge of materials transformation, Merck brings to the table its understanding of pigments and their behaviors and core research work in plastics. STEER labs in India will carry out the research work. STEER and Merck will jointly validate the research work before taking to market the technology platform.

Dr. Babu Padmanabhan, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer, STEER, said, “This is a major milestone for STEER, as the research collaboration is an acknowledgement of our capabilities and technology by a global leader. Our 21st century, co-rotating twin screw processor with fractional lobed elements allows for work on materials using precise application of forces — kneading, stirring or shearing material at specific zones of the processor — resulting in a quantum jump in process capability. With its ability to work with sensitive materials, our technology truly ushers in a new age of advanced materials through Intelligent Compounding. Our rich legacy of research and patented technologies will complement the objectives of this unique venture.”

Gordon Price, Technical Service Manager, Pigments in Plastics, Merck, said, “STEER has been pioneering the materials transformation research in Plastics and holds several patents in this sector. We believe in STEER’s technology platform and research capabilities, which enjoy proven track record. Through this research collaboration, we intend to master the co-rotating twin screw extruder technology to process special effect pigments and bring to market the most advanced platforms.”

Processing special effects pigments is still a major challenge for the plastic industry, as the pigment platelet structure is damaged in the processing stage. Any alteration or change in the size of the structure hinders effective coloration and alters the appearance of the pigments in plastics. An appropriate process window to process pigments of various sizes will benefit the industry. STEER’s technology platform is customized for producing effect pigments compounds and masterbatch.