Belgium’s Milliken Chemical has announced new formulas for additives that it says help improve the mechanical performance of lightweight polypropylene and polyurethane plastics while limiting the release of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and low volatility organic compounds (FOG). The Millguard line of antioxidant additives includes formulations for resisting scorch and yellowing as well as improving stability and ultraviolet performance, Milliken says. The antioxidants can help automotive and other manufacturers comply with environmental regulations, including indoor air quality standards, by minimizing organic emissions from molded components.

Based on OH-terminated chains, the additives are 100 percent reactive into polyurethane foams, elastomers and coatings, the company says. It says this permits full integration into final polyurethane items during manufacture, helping avoid migration and loss of properties over time.

In an earlier announcement providing test results, Milliken says its AOX antioxidant was shown to reduce VOC content to 22 ppm, compared to industry standard 69 ppm. Further, the antioxidant minimized FOG content emission to 6 ppm, compared to industry standard 541 ppm.