Polytives' processing aid boosts PMMA flowability and processing efficiency
Last update on Mar 31, 2026
Polytives GmbH, a specialist in the development and manufacture of unique polymer additives, is setting new standards in the processing of PMMA compounds.
Recent studies show that the use of its process additive bFI A 3745 enables significant efficiency gains in the manufacturing process: Flowability is significantly improved, process efficiency is substantially increased, thereby reducing the CFP, among other benefits while the light transparency and mechanical stability characteristic of PLEXIGLAS* remain weather-resistant for over 10,000 hours.
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Achieving higher efficiency while maintaining optical properties
The study examined PMMA compounds based on standard PLEXIGLAS molding compounds (6N, 7N, and 8N) that were modified with up to 7% of the polymeric additive bFI A 3745. Since this additive consists of hyperbranched PMMA, it is chemically identical to the polymer matrix.
The following processes were optimized:
A significant reduction in melt viscosity,
A significant increase in MVR values of up to over 100%,
Cycle time reductions of over 20%,
A reduction in processing temperature, in some cases by up to 35 °C, and
process pressures that could be reduced by up to 50%
Despite this significant potential for process optimization, the optical properties of the modified materials remain unchanged.
Durability in long-term testing
To evaluate long-term stability, xenon weathering tests were conducted in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4892-2 (Method A) over a period of 10,000 hours.
The results confirm the material’s high durability:
No significant changes in light transmission in the 400–800 nm range, and
- minimal color changes (Yellowness Index according to ASTM E313) well below critical thresholds, even with additive contents of up to 7%.
The tests demonstrate that the polymeric additive preserves the optical and stability properties of PLEXIGLAS compounds even under long-term exposure.
Cost-effectiveness for demanding applications
“The combination of optimized processing and stable material properties opens up new possibilities for development and innovation among raw material manufacturers, compounders, and processors,” explains Oliver Eckardt, managing director at Polytives. “Especially in applications with high optical requirements, long cycle times, or complex geometries, this allows for previously unimagined efficiency gains without having to compromise on material quality.”
The modified compounds are particularly suitable for applications where design freedom, energy efficiency, and process efficiency are critical—such as in lighting technology, the automotive industry, electronics, or the high-end consumer goods sector.
*PLEXIGLAS is a registered trademark of Röhm GmbH (based in Darmstadt, Germany).