Black Masterbatch: The Ultimate Guide - EuP Egypt

26 May.,2025

 

Black Masterbatch: The Ultimate Guide - EuP Egypt

Black masterbatch is one of the most common plastic choices in many applications. Let’s explore its features, benefits, and applications right now!

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Black masterbatch is ranked the world’s second-largest consumed color masterbatch. It offers many outstanding properties suitable for applications in many industries and, especially for large-scale productions.

The material not only helps manufacturers achieve aesthetic desires but also obtains the technical competence to meet the requirements of the final items.

There is much more to know about this masterbatch. Follow along!

1. What is Black Masterbatch?

Black masterbatch is an inevitable material used to create a black color for plastic products. You can see its applications in various fields, such as the industrial, automotive, and construction sectors. Besides, it’s widely used in multiple types of rubber products and plastic packaging, sealants, colorants, and adhesives.

Black masterbatch is a combination of black carbon pigment, virgin resin, and certain additives that allow the material to be adjusted according to the requirements of production. Besides providing a clean black look for the final products, the black carbon powder and the corresponding plastic substrate inside the black masterbatch can also maintain color, shield light, UV rays, and antioxidant products.

2. Key Features of Black Masterbatch

Here are highlighted properties of black masterbatch:

  • Strong coloring properties: The material provides final products with deep black pigmentation, enhancing the aesthetic appearance.
  • Good dispersion: For large-scale production, consistent, uniform color distribution is crucial. Black masterbatch’s dispersion is the most useful property for helping manufacturers achieve this goal.
  • Enhanced durability: The UV protection and stabilizing properties of carbon black can protect plastic products from UV degradation and cracking.
  • Easy to process: Black masterbatch is ideal for high-volume plastic production processes since it’s easy to handle and incorporate into the polymer matrix.

3. How Is Black Masterbatch Produced?

The masterbatch production process consists of 6 steps:

  • Step 1: Add black carbon powder, base resin, and other additives based on the desired formula.
  • Step 2: Mix with a mixer at high speed for 10 minutes.
  • Step 3: The mixtures will go through an extruder and be poured into a sheet.
  • Step 4: After it cools down, it will be passed through a cutter to cut into small particles.
  • Step 5: Here, the finished masterbatch will be mixed with primary plastic resin and additives.
  • Step 6: Depending on the product shape requirements, the mixture will go through different processing technologies. It can be injection molding, extrusion, or blowing film.

4. Benefits of Using Black Masterbatch

The first and foremost benefit of black masterbatch is the great dispersion. It allows users to fasten the product coloring process since it contains the resin used in the end products; thus, the masterbatch disperses uniformly on the final item’s surface.

Manufacturers can easily combine the black color masterbatch with other additives to enhance the item’s functionality, such as abrasion and UV resistance. As a result, the final products can improve their overall mechanical properties. Thus, black masterbatch is appropriate for outdoor uses in things like construction materials, outdoor furniture, and automobile parts.

In addition, utilizing black masterbatch in the manufacturing process can be more economical than using pre-colored resins or compounds. It lowers waste and total production costs by enabling more flexibility in inventory management and production planning.

Besides, the material is versatile and can be used in many industries, such as automotive design, electronics, packaging, and construction. As for aesthetic benefit, black color goes well with a variety of design styles since it is a classic and adaptable color. Black masterbatch provides an easy-to-use yet efficient way to generate desired visual effects in plastic items, which is in line with industries’ need for sleek and contemporary designs.

5. Applications of Black Masterbatch

Black masterbatch is an ideal option in many industries, including:

  • Automotive industries

It’s the largest industry in which masterbatch is applied. The material is ideal to reduce weight and decrease the production cost of automotive items.

In general, the black color masterbatch is added to the engineering compounds to boast an appealing look of the final products. It’s usually tailor-made and used to produce exterior auto parts such as car body, tires, bumper, window sealing profiles, body side protection strips, and headlamp lenses.
In addition, the combination prevents the end products from degradation and extends their lifespan.

  • Electronic applications

Mixers, blenders, and washing machines are some of the electronic applications requiring the black masterbatch.

  • Pipes

You can see the black masterbatch is used in many extruded applications such as pipes, deck railings, fencing, tubings, etc. It not only gives the final items an appealing appearance but also creates a protective layer to protect the surfaces from deterioration due to the chemicals’ impact. Besides, it’s helpful in improving the products’ impact strength and wear resistance.

  • Construction

Some of the main applications in this field include cables, wires, corrugated tubes, profiles and fittings, etc.

  • Agriculture

The black color masterbatch is said to be useful for irrigation pipes and agricultural tarpaulins.

  • Geomembrane industry

Nowadays, many geomembrane manufacturers prefer to combine color masterbatches and virgin resin instead of using traditional pre-colored compounds. It plays an important role in optimizing the membrane’s UV and thermal resistance ability.

  • Packaging films

One of the most popular applications of black masterbatch is packaging films, including shopping bags, trash bags, etc. Since it’s in granular form, it can disperse evenly on the surfaces of the final products. Plus, the formula can be adjusted to meet the manufacturer’s requirements.

6. How to Choose the Right Black Masterbatch

Manufacturers should consider the following factors to pick the right choice of black masterbatch:

  • Application requirements

Firstly, manufacturers should identify the polymer type that they are processing. Note that certain polymers, such as PP, PE, PET, and ABS, are compatible with black masterbatches.

Secondly, determine whether you need the material for indoor or outdoor applications. For example, UV-stabilized masterbatch is usually appropriate for outdoor use.

Regulatory food requirements are the next thing to consider. Manufacturers need an option that complies with relevant regulations when producing food-contact products or medical equipment.

  • Type and content of carbon black

The second important factor to consider is the carbon black grade. Depending on the grades, the dispersion and gloss levels will be different. For example, if you need a deep, rich black color, go for High Jetness (High Tint). Yet, general-purpose grades are a more affordable option with lower performance.

Besides, the carbon black loading level defines opacity. 15–50% is considered high level with greater opacity. Yet, it may cost more and be harder to process.

  • Dispersion quality

You should use a black masterbatch with great dispersion for applications that demand aesthetics and surface quality to avoid streaks or poor color consistency. Furthermore, you may need a masterbatch with filler content (for example, calcium carbonate) for better mechanical strength and gloss.

  • Processing conditions

Your option should be suitable for high-temperature processes like extrusion or injection molding. Otherwise, it will be degraded under heat. Thus, check the information carefully with your supplier.

  • Cost

Take into account the masterbatch’s performance properties, such as increased UV stability, and determine the necessary dilution ratio to minimize misuse and increased expenses. You’d better optimize based on the value it provides to your product.

7. FAQs about Black Masterbatch

  • What are the differences between black masterbatch and traditional pigments?

Traditional pigments refer to the powder form of colored substances. Meanwhile, black masterbatch combines pigments, plastic resins, and additives. Because color masterbatch contains resin that has previously been used in final products, it disperses more uniformly across the surface of the product than pigments do, increasing the color fastness of the final product.

  • Is it safe to use black masterbatch in food contact applications?

Black masterbatch is a safe plastic formed by formulations containing safe human-grade pigments. It’s non-toxic and does not harm the user and the environment.

8. Conclusion

Black masterbatch provides a versatile and effective coloring ingredient for plastic products. It’s an essential material for manufacturers to stay on trend and satisfy consumers’ high aesthetic standards.

Being a part of EuP, the top masterbatch manufacturer in the world, EuP Egypt offers a large selection of black masterbatches with mechanical qualities appropriate for various uses. Our product is a concentrated color granule with outstanding dispersion, UV resistance, and high endurance that are suitable for many sectors, including electronics, automotive, agricultural, construction, and packaging.

What Are the Types of Masterbatch? - COWELL EXTRUSION

Masterbatch, referred to as color concentrate, stands as a specialized colorant for polymer materials. It comprises pigments or dyes, carriers, and additives, achieving a higher tinting power than the pigment alone, functioning as a pigment concentrate.

Primarily applied in plastics, masterbatch comes in different types categorized by applications, carriers, functions, user conditions, and colors. This diversity contributes to a range of color effects in plastic or rubber products. This article aims to provide an overview of masterbatch types, enhancing your comprehension of this material.

Classified according to usage

Masterbatch can be classified into injection masterbatch, blow molding masterbatch, spinning masterbatch, and more, with each category further divided into different grades.

Injection Masterbatch

Injection masterbatch is formulated for use in injection molding, a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten plastic into a mold to produce solid shapes. It allows precise control over color and properties during the molding process, ensuring uniform distribution and improved product quality.

Injection masterbatch can be divided into the following two types according to the variety grade:

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  • Advanced injection masterbatch: Applied in the coloring of high-end products such as cosmetic packaging boxes, toys, and electrical appliance casings.
  • Ordinary injection masterbatch: Utilized for coloring general daily plastic products, industrial containers, and similar items.

Blow Molding Masterbatch

Blow Molding Masterbatch is specifically formulated for the blow molding process, a technique wherein heated plastic is inflated into a mold to produce hollow objects, such as bottles. It can ensure precise control over color and properties during the blow molding process, enhancing the quality of hollow plastic products.

Blow Molding Masterbatch is categorized into two types based on different varieties and grades:

  • Advanced Blow Molding Masterbatch: Employed for coloring ultra-thin products during the blow molding process.
  • Ordinary Blow Molding Masterbatch: Utilized for coloring general packaging bags and woven bags in the blow molding process.

Spinning Masterbatch

Spinning masterbatch is tailored for spinning, a process where molten polymer is extruded through spinnerets to form fibers used in textiles. Spinning masterbatch finds its primary application in spinning and coloring textile fibers. The pigment in the masterbatch consists of fine particles, high concentration, robust tinting power, and exhibits good heat and light resistance.

The low-tier masterbatch, within these three types of color masterbatch, is employed in the production of low-grade products that do not demand high standards for color quality. This includes items like trash cans, low-grade containers, and similar products.

Classification according to different colors

According to the different colors, masterbatch can be divided into black, white and various different colors (yellow, green, red, orange, brown, blue, silver, gold, purple, gray, pink masterbatch, etc). Among them, the most commonly used and widely used one is black masterbatch.

Black Masterbatch

Black masterbatch is the most commonly used color masterbatch in plastic processing and is also the largest color masterbatch. It has the advantages of UV protection, spray resistance, conductivity, etc.

Black masterbatch is made by mixing the dye and the corresponding polyethylene resin carrier evenly, extruding it through high-energy internal mixing with a precision co-rotating twin-screw extruder or plastic banbury mixer, and then cooling and pelletizing. Different production processes, different polyethylene carriers and different pigment additives will determine the quality and use of masterbatch.

Black masterbatch is widely used in plastic processing industries such as injection molding, extrusion molding and blow molding. In real life, it is widely used in injection molding of automobile plastic parts, extrusion molding of plastic pipes, and production of agricultural mulch films and geotechnical materials.

White Masterbatch

While both white masterbatch and black masterbatch serve the purpose of coloring plastics, they differ in their applications and characteristics. White masterbatch is primarily used to give a solid, opaque white color to plastic products. It enhances the opacity and coverage of colored plastics, ensuring that the underlying color or substrate remains concealed.

Therefore, it depends on the choice of colorant. Generally, carbon black is used as the colorant for black masterbatch, while the colorants used in white masterbatch are mainly titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, etc.

White masterbatch has the advantages of good dispersion, environmental protection, strong tinting power, strong light fastness, high hiding power, and easy operation. Mainly suitable for injection molded parts, packaging bottles, etc.

Color Masterbatch (Various Colors)

Masterbatches are made by mixing various pigments or dyes into a polyethylene resin carrier and are also available in a range of other vibrant colors. The choice of production methods, polyethylene carriers, and pigment additives dictates the quality and applications of the color masterbatch. With versatility as its hallmark, color masterbatch finds widespread use across industries, allowing for the creation of visually appealing and diverse colored plastic products.

Classified according to different carriers

Based on different masterbatch carriers, masterbatch can be categorized into PE, PP, PVC, PS, ABS, EVA, PC, PET, PEK, and more. Here are some common types:

Polyethylene (PE) Masterbatch

Composition: Polyethylene is used as the carrier material, with pigments or additives blended in.

Application: Widely utilized in various plastic processing methods, including injection molding, extrusion molding, and blow molding. Commonly employed in the production of a wide range of plastic products, offering versatility in coloration and performance enhancement.

Polypropylene (PP) Masterbatch

Composition: Polypropylene serves as the carrier material, combined with pigments or additives.

Application: Suited for applications where polypropylene is the base polymer, such as in automotive components, packaging, and textiles. Offers coloration and additional functionalities depending on the additives included.

Polystyrene (PS) Masterbatch

Composition: Polystyrene is the carrier material, containing pigments or additives.

Application: Commonly used in applications where polystyrene is the base polymer, including packaging, disposable utensils, and consumer goods. Provides coloration and potential performance enhancements.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Masterbatch

Composition: Polyvinyl chloride is used as the carrier material, with incorporated pigments or additives.

Application: Ideal for applications involving PVC-based products, such as pipes, cables, and vinyl flooring. Provides coloration and may include additives for specific performance characteristics.

Engineering Plastic Masterbatch

Composition: Specialized carriers like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PC (Polycarbonate), or PA (Polyamide) are used, along with pigments or additives.

Application: Tailored for specific engineering plastic applications, offering coloration and enhanced performance properties. Commonly used in industries requiring high-performance plastics, such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace.

Classification according to different functions

Based on different functions, masterbatch can be categorized into various types, including antistatic, flame retardant, anti-aging, antibacterial, whitening and brightening, anti-reflective, and more.

Here are some common types:

Standard Masterbatch

Standard masterbatches play a fundamental role in plastic processing by providing a broad spectrum of colors without additional functionalities. Their adaptability makes them a preferred option for a broad spectrum of applications where fundamental coloration is the primary necessity.

UV Stabilizer Masterbatch

UV stabilizer masterbatches serve a crucial function in protecting plastics from the detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation. By incorporating UV-resistant additives, these masterbatches prevent color fading and material degradation caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, making them particularly suitable for outdoor applications.

Anti-Static Masterbatch

Anti-static masterbatches are formulated to address the issue of static electricity buildup on the surface of plastic products. By incorporating additives that enhance electrical conductivity, these masterbatches help mitigate problems such as dust attraction and ensure a static-free surface on the end products.

Flame Retardant Masterbatch

A flame retardant masterbatch is a material that incorporates flame retardant agents. Various flame retardant ingredients are pre-blended with the base polymers and subsequently fed into a twin-screw extruder or triple-screw extruder for thorough mixing, extrusion, and pellet formation. Adding flame retardant directly into the polymer is simpler, cleaner, more efficient, and involves less usage, resulting in minimal impact on the mechanical performance of the polymer compared to traditional flame retardant agents. This makes it a highly preferred flame retardant product widely applied in the plastics and rubber industries.

Anti-Oxidation Masterbatch

Anti-oxidation masterbatches provide protection against oxidation and degradation caused by exposure to oxygen. Through the incorporation of additives that inhibit the harmful effects of oxygen, these masterbatches contribute to extending the lifespan and maintaining the quality of plastic products.

Pearlescent Masterbatch

Pearlescent masterbatches add an aesthetic dimension to plastic products by imparting a pearlescent or metallic sheen. Special pigments within these masterbatches create an iridescent effect, making them suitable for applications where visual appeal is a key consideration, such as in packaging, cosmetics, and consumer goods.

Glow-in-the-Dark Masterbatch

Glow-in-the-dark masterbatches introduce an element of visibility in low-light conditions by enabling plastic products to glow after exposure to light. By incorporating phosphorescent pigments, these masterbatches find application in safety signage and novelty items, where enhanced visibility in the dark is essential.

Classification based on user usage

According to the user’s usage, masterbatch can be divided into general masterbatch and special masterbatch. Most global masterbatch companies typically abstain from manufacturing general-purpose masterbatch due to its limited scope and poor technical indicators and economic benefits.

Universal Masterbatch

Low melting point PE masterbatch is commonly employed as a universal masterbatch, suitable for coloring resins other than the carrier resin. While universal masterbatch is relatively straightforward and convenient, it does come with several drawbacks, outlined as follows:

  • The predictability of the coloring outcome is limited: Masterbatch, utilized for coloring, exhibits variations in pigment appearance across different plastics. Consequently, the predictability of the coloring effect is diminished.
  • Affects other properties of plastic products: This type of masterbatch will affect other properties of plastic products, especially the strength, causing the product to be easily deformed and distorted, especially for engineering plastics.
  • Higher cost: In order to be “universal”, universal masterbatch often use pigments with higher heat-resistant grades, resulting in waste.

While universal masterbatch is straightforward and convenient, it comes with several drawbacks. It is advisable for users to opt for special masterbatch.

Special Masterbatch

Special masterbatch is created by choosing the same plastic as the carrier based on the user-specified plastic type for the product. For instance, PP color masterbatch and ABS color masterbatch utilize PP and ABS as carriers, respectively.

Special masterbatch offers notable advantages, including high concentration, excellent dispersion, and cleanliness throughout the product processing.

The heat resistance level of the special masterbatch is generally compatible with the plastic employed in the product. It can be confidently utilized at regular temperatures. Discoloration may occur to varying degrees only when the temperature surpasses the normal range, and the downtime is excessively prolonged.