Polymeric Blooming Agents And The Cause OF Blooming

Posted by ubercloneapp on July 14th, 2021

Blooming is a phenomenon in which additives used in the polymer migrate on the surface. In easy terms the discharge of solid substance on the surface of a polymer is called blooming. This discharge of solid substance can mess up with the design and aesthetics of a plastic/rubber product.

Although additives are used to improve the performance and characteristics in Polymeric Blooming Agents. But the surface blooming of additives can change the surface properties of the polymer resulting in undesirable outcomes. From mechanical failures to toxicity in the plastic products can be caused by the blooming. When manufacturing medical devices, manufacturers need to ensure that the plastic is chemically stable and won’t create toxic substances when used in the real situation. 

However in some cases blooming is favourable as well. As the migration of antioxidants on the surface of the polymer helps to resist the degradation. So in order to create a good and stabilized plastic product that can be safely employed for daily use need to be in equilibrium. For that you need to figure out what favours blooming.

Concentration of additives in polymer can cause the bloom. As high concentration of additives can cause the blooming easily.

Higher the surface energy of the material, more the chances of blooming. 

Temperature increases the mobility of the molecules of additives, high mobility favours blooming.