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Focuses on the R&D and production of color masterbatches & various functional masterbatches: antibacterial, flame retardant, antioxidant, UV resistant, metal detectable, hydrolysis resistant, anti-static & conductive, magnetic plastics, etc.

Ripple Masterbatch: A Dual Breakthrough—Driving Technological Core and Industry Empowerment


Abstract

As an important branch in the field of functional color masterbatches, Ripple Masterbatches—thanks to their dual attributes of "material modification + aesthetic expression—are emerging as a key driver for product upgrades in the plastics processing industry. MuFan New Materials (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., with years of deep expertise in this area, has pioneered innovative formulations and optimized manufacturing processes, enabling it to develop a comprehensive range of flow-texture masterbatch products tailored to every application scenario. The company’s core technological principles and industrial value are well worth exploring in greater depth.
Ripple Masterbatch: A Dual Breakthrough—Driving Technological Core and Industry Empowerment

Ripple masterbatches, with their dual attributes of "material modification + aesthetic expression," have become a key driver for upgrading plastic processing. Mufan New Materials (Shanghai) has been deeply engaged in this field for many years, leveraging innovative formulations and optimized processes to build a comprehensive product portfolio that redefines the new benchmark for plastic aesthetics across all applications.

 

I. Technical Principle: A Precisely Controlled Texture Formation System

The core advantage of Ripple masterbatch lies in the "controllable generation of natural textures," with its technological principle based on the precise alignment of material thermodynamics and processing kinetics. Mufan New Materials achieves stable texture presentation through three core technologies:

1. Formula Co-Design : By blending high-purity organic/inorganic pigments (such as azo and phthalocyanine pigments) with specialized rheological additives (a composite system of polyethylene wax and calcium stearate), and carefully selecting a carrier resin that precisely matches the molecular structure of the target substrate, we ensure that the color masterbatch and base material achieve a stable flow-rate gradient when melted—specifically, keeping the difference within 5–15 g/10 min—thus naturally producing streaks, cloud-like patterns, or marble-like textures.

 

2. Process Precision Control : Pelletizing is carried out using a twin-screw extruder (with an L/D ratio of 36:1), achieving temperature control accuracy of ±1°C. A segmented mixing process—featuring a feeding section at 120–150°C, a melting section at 180–230°C, and a die section at 170–210°C—is employed to ensure uniform dispersion of pigments and additives. Particle size is precisely controlled within the range of 2–4 mm, guaranteeing consistent flow properties during the processing stage.

 

3. Performance Boundary Breakthrough : By incorporating antioxidants (a composite system of 1010/168) and a UV absorber (UV-531), the product’s weather resistance is enhanced by 40%. After undergoing a 500-hour UV aging test, its color difference ΔE remains ≤1.0. Meanwhile, the volatile organic compound (VOC) content is kept below 10 ppm, meeting the stringent environmental standards required for high-end applications such as automotive components and children’s products.

 

II. Industry-wide Penetration: From Functional Adaptation to Value Enhancement

The application scenarios of ripple masterbatches have expanded from traditional home décor to six core industries. Their value lies not only in decorative appeal but also in enabling product premium pricing through simplified manufacturing processes and optimized performance.

  • Home Decor Industry : By replacing the traditional "substrate + coating + lamination" three-step process, this leading home furnishing brand has achieved integrated molding for decorative panels and kitchen/bathroom fixtures. For instance, they’ve used Mufan’s MJ series ripple masterbatch to produce bathroom vanities featuring an imitation marble texture, resulting in a 30% increase in per-unit product price, a 25% boost in production efficiency, and an impressive 80% reduction in VOC emissions.
  • Automotive interior industry : For components such as dashboard trim strips and door panel trims, HY’s High-Temperature Engineering Series Ripple Masterbatch has passed the automotive industry’s TS16949 certification. It withstands high and low temperature tests—withstanding 50 cycles between -40°C and 80°C without cracking or fading—and can precisely replicate premium textures like carbon fiber and wood grain. It is compatible with PA/PC alloy materials and has already been adopted in models from several joint-venture brands.
  • 3C Electronics Industry : Our MY medium-temperature hard resin series Ripple masterbatches are designed specifically for ABS and PC substrates, enabling the creation of refined textures such as metallic iridescence and gradient cloud effects. A leading mobile phone accessories manufacturer has adopted this product to produce customized phone cases, successfully differentiating their offerings in the market and achieving a 15% increase in market share.
  • Architectural Decoration Industry : The PVC-specific modified series of Ripple masterbatches incorporates heat stabilizers and impact modifiers, making them ideal for extrusion processes used in manufacturing window and door profiles as well as floor coverings. These masterbatches achieve a texture continuity rate of over 98%, and pass the Taber abrasion test (using a Taber Abraser at 1000 revolutions) with weight loss no greater than 0.02g. Additionally, they offer a cost reduction of up to 40% compared to natural stone alternatives.
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III. Material Compatibility and Technical Specifications: Precisely Matched to Processing Needs

The application performance of Ripple masterbatches is closely related to the properties of the base material and the processing techniques. Meanwhile, Mufan New Materials achieves precise coverage across all plastic categories through its product series design.

Substrate Type

Key Performance Requirements

Compatible Color Masterbatch Series

Processing Parameter Recommendations

Typical Applications

TPE/TPR/TPU

Low-temperature flexibility (-30°C without cracking)

Low-Temperature Soft Gel Series

Temperature: 170–200°C, Screw Speed: 30–50 rpm

Children's toys, sports equipment grips

PP/PE/POM

High fluidity (MFR 10–30 g/10 min)

Medium-Temperature Polyolefin Series

Temperature: 180–220℃, Backpressure: 0.3–0.5 MPa

Packaging containers, automotive interior bases

ABS/AS/HIPS/PS

Rigidity and Glossiness (Glossiness ≥85%)

Medium-Temperature Hard Resin Series

Temperature: 200–225°C, Injection pressure: 80–120 MPa

Electronic product casings, home accessories

PC/PA (Nylon)

High-temperature resistance (long-term use temperature up to 120°C)

High-Temperature Engineering Series

Temperature: 235–285°C, holding pressure time: 15–25 seconds

High-end appliance panels, automotive functional components

IV. Service Assurance: From Product Supply to Solutions

Mufan New Materials adheres to the service philosophy of "Customization + Technology Empowerment," providing customers with end-to-end support:

  1. Customized Services: Based on texture samples or detailed customer requirements provided, we complete formula adjustments and small-batch sampling within 7 business days (minimum order quantity of 5 kg), allowing for precise customization of color, texture fineness, and transparency.
  1. Technical Support: We provide optimized processing parameter solutions, offering tailored ranges for critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and speed—specifically designed for various processes like injection molding and extrusion. Additionally, we can offer on-site guidance for equipment setup and debugging, helping you resolve common issues such as uneven textures, material precipitation, and color variations.
  1. Quality Assurance: All products have passed third-party inspections by SGS, CTI, and other organizations, meeting international standards such as ROHS, REACH, and EN 71-3, and come with a 1-year quality guarantee.

 

The development trend of Ripple Masterbatches is evolving toward "high environmental friendliness, high customization, and superior adaptability." Through technological innovation and industrial application, new materials are transforming the flow-texture effect—from a mere "decorative addition" to a "core competitive advantage" for products. Looking ahead, with the rapid growth of industries such as new-energy vehicles and smart home appliances, ripple masterbatches will continue to break new ground in more high-end applications, driving the ongoing advancement of both functionality and aesthetics in plastic products.

Key words:

Ripple Masterbatch

Wood Grain Masterbatch

Marble Effect Masterbatch

Rhyolitic Masterbatch

Plastic Aesthetics

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