Matte and slip masterbatch products fulfill critical requirements in applications demanding reduced surface gloss, improved haptic properties, and controlled friction characteristics. These functional additives create surface finishes that minimize light reflection while providing slip characteristics essential for packaging, automotive components, and consumer products. The manufacturing of consistent, high-performance matte and slip masterbatch requires precise compounding technology capable of dispersing matte agents while preserving slip additive effectiveness. Twin screw extrusion provides the mixing efficiency and processing control necessary for producing premium quality surface modification masterbatch products.

Introduction

Surface properties significantly influence both visual perception and functional performance in plastic products. Matte finishes provide reduced glare and improved aesthetics in applications where high gloss creates undesirable reflections or appears cheap. Slip characteristics enable smooth surface interactions during product use and improve processing efficiency through reduced friction during molding and demolding operations. Matte and slip masterbatch products enable manufacturers to achieve these surface properties without requiring additional processing steps or equipment modifications.

Matte masterbatch formulations incorporate fine particle fillers including silica, calcium carbonate, and specialized matting agents that create micro-textured surfaces. These particles scatter incident light rather than reflecting it coherently, producing the characteristic matte appearance. Slip masterbatch products add fatty acid amides, waxes, and other lubricating compounds that reduce friction coefficients. Combining matte and slip functionality requires careful balancing to ensure both properties work synergistically rather than interfering with each other.

Twin screw extrusion technology addresses the unique processing challenges associated with matte and slip masterbatch production. The high shear forces necessary for uniform matte agent dispersion must be balanced against the thermal sensitivity of slip additives. Precise temperature control prevents degradation while achieving adequate mixing. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information necessary for establishing or optimizing matte and slip masterbatch manufacturing operations.

Formulation Ratio for Matte & Slip Masterbatch

Matte Masterbatch Formulations

Matte masterbatch formulations utilize silica-based matting agents at concentrations typically ranging from 15% to 30% depending on the desired matte level and application requirements. Precipitated silica with particle sizes of 5 to 15 micrometers provides effective matte effects at 15% to 20% concentration. Fumed silica formulations achieve superior matte characteristics at 10% to 15% due to higher specific surface area. Synthetic silica matting agents with controlled particle size distribution offer consistent performance across batches.

Calcium carbonate serves as a cost-effective matting agent at 25% to 40% concentration for applications requiring moderate matte effects. Precipitated calcium carbonate with narrow particle size distribution provides more consistent performance than ground calcium carbonate. Talc additions of 5% to 15% concentration enhance matte effects while providing additional reinforcement in some polymer systems. Particle morphology significantly influences matte effectiveness, with plate-like particles creating more effective light scattering than spherical shapes.

Organic matting agents including acrylic and polyethylene wax particles offer alternatives for specific applications. These materials provide matte effects at 10% to 20% concentration with different optical characteristics compared to inorganic matting agents. Combination formulations using multiple matting agents achieve customized appearance characteristics unavailable from single component systems. Dispersing aids at 2% to 5% concentration ensure uniform particle distribution without agglomeration.

Slip Masterbatch Formulations

Slip masterbatch formulations primarily utilize fatty acid amides as active slip agents. Erucamide at 10% to 20% concentration provides excellent slip properties with moderate migration rates suitable for most polyolefin applications. Oleamide at similar concentrations offers faster migration rates and quicker surface effects. Behenamide provides superior permanence with reduced migration but at higher cost, typically used at 8% to 15% concentration.

Wax-based slip agents including amide waxes and fatty acid esters provide slip characteristics at 8% to 15% concentration. These materials often combine with fatty acid amides to achieve specific friction coefficient targets. Silicone-based slip agents at 2% to 5% concentration deliver exceptional slip performance for demanding applications but require careful formulation to avoid processing problems. Fluoropolymers at 0.5% to 2% concentration provide premium slip characteristics for high-performance applications.

Combined matte and slip masterbatch formulations balance both functional requirements. Typical formulations contain 15% to 25% matting agent, 10% to 15% slip agent, 60% to 70% carrier resin, and appropriate dispersing aids. The interaction between matte agents and slip compounds requires careful optimization to ensure both properties function effectively. High matte agent concentrations can trap slip agents and reduce surface effectiveness, requiring slip agent concentration adjustments.

Production Process for Matte & Slip Masterbatch

Raw Material Preparation

Matte masterbatch production requires careful raw material selection and preparation to achieve consistent optical effects. Matting agents must meet strict particle size specifications, with narrow size distributions ensuring batch-to-batch consistency. Surface treatment of silica particles enhances dispersion in polymer matrices and reduces agglomeration during processing. Moisture content of matting agents requires evaluation and control to prevent processing problems.

Slip agents require evaluation of purity, melting characteristics, and thermal stability. Fatty acid amide quality significantly affects surface migration rates and ultimate performance in applications. Wax materials require assessment of drop point, hardness, and thermal stability to ensure compatibility with processing conditions. Carrier resin selection considers melt flow index, thermal stability, and compatibility with both matte agents and slip additives.

Material preparation procedures include drying of hygroscopic components and pre-blending to achieve initial homogeneity before extrusion. Matting agents may require grinding or classification to meet feeding system requirements. Slip agents with high melting points may need pre-melting or special feeding arrangements to ensure consistent metering. Premixing in high-intensity mixers for 3 to 5 minutes achieves adequate distribution of all components before extrusion.

Extrusion Compounding

Extrusion compounding transforms raw materials into homogeneous matte and slip masterbatch through controlled thermal and mechanical processing. The twin screw extruder provides the mixing intensity necessary for dispersing matte agent particles while incorporating slip agents into the polymer matrix. Screw configuration must achieve both dispersive mixing for particle distribution and distributive mixing for uniform additive distribution.

Temperature profile management significantly affects matte and slip masterbatch quality. Barrel zones typically operate from 150°C in the feed section to 220°C in mixing and pumping sections. Lower temperatures preserve slip agent effectiveness while sufficiently high temperatures ensure complete melting and adequate particle dispersion. Temperature uniformity across the screw prevents localized overheating that can degrade slip agents or cause matte agent agglomeration.

Vacuum devolatilization removes residual moisture and any volatile components that could affect product quality or cause surface defects in final applications. Devolatilization zones operate at pressures of 50 to 100 millibars absolute for efficient volatile removal. Screen changing systems with 40 to 100 mesh filters remove contamination and agglomerated material that could affect surface appearance. Underwater pelletizing systems produce uniform pellets with controlled cooling to prevent slip agent migration during solidification.

Quality Control Procedures

Quality control for matte and slip masterbatch encompasses physical property testing, optical measurements, and performance evaluation. Melt flow index determination confirms processing consistency and indicates appropriate additive incorporation. Moisture content analysis verifies that drying procedures effectively remove hygroscopic moisture. Pellet appearance inspection identifies contamination, discoloration, or agglomeration problems.

Gloss measurement using gloss meters quantifies matte effectiveness across specified measurement angles. Lower gloss values indicate more effective matte characteristics. Coefficient of friction testing evaluates slip performance through both static and dynamic friction measurements. Surface profilometry assesses micro-texture characteristics that influence both matte appearance and slip behavior. Application testing through injection molding or extrusion trials confirms performance under actual production conditions.

Quality documentation includes certificate of analysis reporting all measured properties against specification limits. Statistical process control tracks key quality parameters over time to detect trends before specification excursions. Batch traceability enables investigation of any field performance issues. Customer feedback integration supports continuous improvement of formulations and production processes.

Production Equipment Introduction

Kerke KTE Series Twin Screw Extruders

Kerke KTE series twin screw extruders provide the processing capability necessary for high-quality matte and slip masterbatch production. These co-rotating intermeshing extruders feature precision engineered screw elements that achieve superior particle dispersion while maintaining precise temperature control essential for slip agent preservation. Modular barrel and screw configurations enable optimization for specific formulation requirements.

The KTE-36B with 35.6mm screw diameter and 20 to 100 kilograms per hour capacity serves development and small-scale production requirements. This model enables formulation optimization and pilot production before scaling to commercial volumes. The KTE-50B at 50.5mm screw diameter and 80 to 200 kilograms per hour throughput provides intermediate capacity for market development and specialty production runs.

Commercial production typically utilizes the KTE-65B with 62.4mm screw diameter achieving 200 to 450 kilograms per hour, or the KTE-75B at 71mm diameter with 300 to 800 kilograms per hour capacity. The KTE-95D high-capacity model featuring 93mm screw diameter delivers 1000 to 2000 kilograms per hour throughput for established high-volume production operations. Each model incorporates the control systems and processing flexibility necessary for consistent matte and slip masterbatch quality.

Supporting Equipment for Masterbatch Production

Supporting equipment requirements include material handling systems, feeding equipment, and downstream processing machinery. Gravimetric feeders with loss-in-weight technology ensure accurate metering of both powders and pellets throughout production runs. Powder feeding systems for matte agents require careful design to prevent dust generation and material bridging. Liquid additive injection systems enable precise addition of melted slip agents when required.

Pelletizing systems convert extruded melt into finished product form. Underwater pelletizers provide rapid cooling and precise size control for most matte and slip masterbatch formulations. Strand pelletizers offer alternative processing for formulations sensitive to rapid cooling or where slip agent migration must be minimized. Pellet cooling and classification equipment ensures proper handling and packaging of finished products. Packaging machinery with nitrogen flushing capability extends shelf life.

Parameter Settings for Matte & Slip Masterbatch

Temperature Profile Configuration

Temperature profile configuration significantly impacts matte and slip masterbatch quality and production efficiency. The feeding zone maintains temperatures of 140°C to 170°C to ensure initial melting while preventing premature slip agent migration. Compression zones at 170°C to 195°C complete melting and begin matte agent dispersion into the polymer matrix.

Mixing zones require careful temperature control at 195°C to 220°C to achieve adequate particle dispersion without thermal degradation of slip agents. Silica matting agents can act as insulators, requiring additional heat input to achieve complete carrier melting. Slip additives including fatty acid amides begin to decompose at temperatures exceeding 240°C, necessitating close monitoring of peak temperatures. Pumping zones at 200°C to 220°C maintain appropriate melt viscosity for efficient extrusion through die openings.

Die head temperatures of 200°C to 220°C ensure smooth melt flow and proper strand formation. Water temperature in pelletizing systems should maintain pellets at 40°C to 60°C entering the cutting chamber to achieve proper solidification. Cooling rate control is particularly important for matte and slip masterbatch to prevent slip agent migration to pellet surfaces before solidification is complete.

Screw Speed and Throughput Optimization

Screw speed selection balances mixing intensity against thermal effects and throughput requirements for matte agent dispersion. Typical operating speeds range from 200 to 400 revolutions per minute depending on extruder size and formulation characteristics. Higher speeds increase shear forces that enhance particle dispersion but also generate additional mechanical heat input.

Residence time within the extruder should be optimized between 30 and 90 seconds for matte and slip masterbatch production. Shorter residence times reduce thermal exposure to slip agents but may compromise matte agent dispersion. Longer residence times improve particle distribution but increase degradation risk for temperature-sensitive slip compounds. Throughput adjustment enables residence time optimization independent of screw speed selection.

The KTE-36B achieves optimal performance at screw speeds of 250 to 350 rpm with throughput of 40 to 80 kilograms per hour. The KTE-50B operates efficiently at 100 to 160 kilograms per hour with 200 to 300 rpm. The KTE-65B processes 250 to 400 kilograms per hour, while the KTE-75B achieves 400 to 600 kilograms per hour with appropriately configured screw elements for high matte agent loading formulations.

Feeding System Management

Feeding system configuration ensures accurate metering and consistent introduction of formulation components, particularly important for matte masterbatch with high powder content. Gravimetric feeders provide accuracy of plus or minus 0.5% for major components including carrier resin and slip agents. Powder feeding systems require dust collection and vibration to prevent material bridging in hoppers.

Feed throat design prevents material bridging and ensures continuous feeding throughout production runs, especially critical with high powder content formulations. Agitator installation eliminates hopper bridging for problematic matte agent powders. Backflow prevention in downstream feeding ports maintains formulation integrity when adding sensitive slip agents. Closed-loop feeding control integrates with extruder throughput monitoring for automatic adjustment maintaining formulation accuracy.

Equipment Price for Twin Screw Extruders

Kerke KTE Series Pricing Structure

Capital investment for Kerke KTE series twin screw extruders varies by model capacity and included features. The KTE-36B laboratory and pilot scale extruder represents an investment range of $25,000 to $35,000, providing accessible entry for formulation development and small-scale production. This model suits research operations and market development activities seeking to establish matte and slip masterbatch products.

The KTE-50B intermediate production extruder costs $40,000 to $60,000, offering capacity for growing production requirements and specialty product lines. This model balances throughput capability with reasonable capital requirements for expanding operations. The KTE-65B at $50,000 to $80,000 and KTE-75B at $70,000 to $100,000 serve established commercial production operations requiring higher volumes and production efficiency.

The KTE-95D high-capacity extruder priced at $120,000 to $200,000 provides maximum throughput for large-scale production facilities. This model achieves throughput of 1000 to 2000 kilograms per hour for high-volume masterbatch manufacturing. Equipment selection should consider both current requirements and growth projections to optimize capital efficiency over the equipment lifecycle.

Complete Production Line Investment

Complete production line investment extends beyond extruder purchase to include supporting equipment and facilities. Feeding systems including gravimetric feeders, powder handling equipment, and liquid injection systems cost $20,000 to $60,000 depending on configuration complexity. Pelletizing systems with underwater pelletizers and classification equipment represent $25,000 to $70,000 additional investment.

Quality control instrumentation including gloss meters, friction testers, and testing equipment requires $25,000 to $60,000. Material handling and storage systems contribute $15,000 to $40,000. Facility preparation including electrical upgrades, ventilation systems, and structural modifications may require $25,000 to $70,000 depending on existing conditions. Total project investment ranges from $120,000 for basic pilot facilities to $550,000 or more for fully automated commercial production lines.

Problems in Production Process and Solutions

Matte Agent Dispersion Issues

Inadequate matte agent dispersion produces inconsistent gloss levels and surface defects in finished products. Visual inspection may reveal specks, streaks, or gloss variations in masterbatch pellets. Application testing reveals areas of inconsistent matte effect where surface appearance varies across the plastic article. This problem results from insufficient mixing intensity or improper screw configuration for high powder loading formulations.

Screw configuration inadequacies typically cause matte agent dispersion problems. Insufficient dispersive mixing elements fail to break down particle agglomerates. Worn screw elements reduce mixing efficiency and create dead spots where material accumulates. Kneeding block wear specifically affects dispersive mixing capability necessary for particle dispersion. Configuration modifications incorporating additional kneading elements or higher stagger angle elements improve particle dispersion.

Solution approaches include screw redesign with additional mixing elements positioned throughout the barrel. Increasing screw speed enhances dispersive forces but must be balanced against temperature effects on slip agents. Powder feeding improvements ensure consistent material introduction. Complete equipment inspection identifies wear issues requiring component replacement. Process validation through comprehensive sampling verifies that dispersion improvements achieve target gloss uniformity.

Slip Agent Degradation Problems

Thermal degradation of slip agents reduces effectiveness and creates surface defects in finished masterbatch. Symptoms include yellowing or discoloration, reduced slip performance in applications, and unpleasant odors during processing. Slip agents including fatty acid amides and waxes are susceptible to thermal degradation if processing temperatures exceed their stability limits or residence time is excessive.

The root cause typically involves incorrect temperature profile settings or inadequate cooling capacity. Processing temperatures exceeding 240°C cause fatty acid amide decomposition. Localized hot spots due to poor mixing or barrel wear create degradation even when average temperatures appear acceptable. Prolonged residence times in mixing zones increase thermal exposure and degradation risk.

Process modifications focus on reducing peak temperatures while maintaining adequate matte agent dispersion. Reducing barrel temperatures in mixing zones preserves slip agent stability. Increasing throughput reduces residence time without compromising dispersion when screw configuration permits adequate mixing. Improved barrel cooling maintains uniform temperatures and eliminates hot spots. Adding thermal stabilizers to the formulation at 0.2% to 0.5% concentration provides additional protection against degradation.

Feeding and Bridge Formation

Powder bridge formation in hoppers and feeders represents a significant problem for matte masterbatch with high matte agent content. Feeding interruptions cause throughput fluctuations, pressure variations, and quality inconsistencies. Symptoms include motor load variations, pressure fluctuations, and uneven pellet size due to unstable extrusion conditions.

Matte agent powder characteristics including particle size, shape, and moisture content influence bridge formation tendencies. Fine silica powders with high specific surface area are particularly prone to bridging. Humidity exposure increases powder cohesiveness and bridge formation risk. Hopper geometry and wall materials affect flow characteristics and bridge formation tendencies.

Solutions include installing vibratory hoppers or air agitation systems that continuously disturb powder and prevent bridge formation. Hopper liner materials with low friction coefficients improve powder flow. Reduced hopper height and increased wall angles minimize bridge formation tendencies. Powder pre-drying reduces moisture content and improves flowability. Feeder agitators prevent material consolidation that leads to bridging. Regular cleaning removes material buildup that contributes to bridge formation.

Surface Quality and Pellet Integrity

Surface defects and pellet integrity problems indicate processing issues that affect both appearance and performance. Rough pellet surfaces suggest incomplete melting or inadequate mixing. Pellet fracture indicates thermal shock during pelletizing or excessive slip agent migration creating weak spots. Color variations indicate contamination, degradation, or uneven additive distribution.

Temperature profile adjustment resolves most surface quality issues. Increasing feed zone temperature ensures complete melting of matte agent particles. Reducing mixing zone temperatures prevents slip agent degradation. Improving temperature uniformity eliminates hot spots that cause degradation and cold spots that cause incomplete mixing. Proper die temperature ensures smooth strand formation and pellet surface quality.

Pelletizing system optimization prevents pellet integrity problems. Water temperature control prevents thermal shock during pellet formation. Cutting blade sharpness and adjustment ensure clean pellet cutting without ragged edges. Throughput matching with pelletizing capacity prevents overloading and irregular cutting. Regular maintenance of pelletizing components maintains consistent pellet quality.

Maintenance

Daily Maintenance Procedures

Daily maintenance establishes the foundation for reliable matte and slip masterbatch production. Visual inspection of equipment condition reveals developing problems before they cause quality failures or production interruptions. Operating parameter monitoring through comparison with established baselines identifies deviations requiring investigation. Feeder calibration verification ensures consistent metering of both powders and pellets.

Production record documentation captures critical information for quality tracking and troubleshooting. Recording temperatures, pressures, throughput rates, and quality observations for each batch enables trend analysis and problem investigation. Shift handoff procedures ensure continuity of quality awareness and problem status. Cleaning procedures between formulation changes prevent cross-contamination, particularly important for powder-intensive matte masterbatch formulations.

Equipment housekeeping maintains clean operating conditions that support quality and safety. Regular removal of powder spills and dust accumulations prevents contamination and slip hazards. Powder handling areas require special attention due to dust generation during matte agent processing. Lubrication of moving components according to manufacturer schedules maintains mechanical reliability. Immediate attention to unusual sounds, vibrations, or odors prevents escalation of developing problems.

Periodic Maintenance Programs

Weekly maintenance encompasses thorough inspection and adjustment activities. Feeder calibration verification ensures continued metering accuracy for both powder and pellet components. Powder handling systems inspection prevents bridge formation and flow problems. Screen changer inspection and cleaning maintains filtration efficiency. Cooling system evaluation confirms adequate flow rates and temperature control. Belt tension adjustment and bearing inspection maintain mechanical integrity.

Monthly maintenance addresses detailed equipment condition assessment. Screw wear measurement identifies sections requiring attention before particle dispersion quality suffers. Barrel inspection detects wear patterns affecting sealing and heat transfer. Gearbox oil analysis reveals mechanical condition trends. Electrical system inspection verifies motor and drive performance. Powder handling components including hoppers and feeders require thorough cleaning and inspection.

Quarterly and annual maintenance programs address major overhaul requirements. Screw element replacement restores mixing performance in worn sections. Barrel liner inspection and replacement ensures proper clearances for effective particle dispersion. Complete system calibration verifies all control functions including temperature and pressure accuracy. Spare parts inventory management ensures availability of critical components. Training updates maintain operator competency with evolving procedures and equipment.

FAQ

What is the difference between matte masterbatch and white color masterbatch?

Matte masterbatch focuses on reducing gloss through light scattering mechanisms without significantly changing base color. The particles are typically transparent or white but used at concentrations that create surface micro-texture rather than color effects. White color masterbatch uses pigments to create opaque white appearance and may actually increase gloss. Matte masterbatch works with any base color, reducing shine while preserving underlying color characteristics.

How much matte masterbatch should I add to achieve consistent matte finish?

Matte masterbatch addition rates of 2% to 8% typically achieve noticeable matte effects depending on formulation and desired gloss level. Higher matte agent loadings in the masterbatch allow lower addition rates for the same effect. Application testing determines optimal addition rate balancing matte appearance, mechanical properties, and cost. Start with 3% to 5% addition and adjust based on gloss measurements of processed articles.

Can matte and slip masterbatch affect the mechanical properties of my plastic articles?

Matte agents at typical addition rates have minimal effect on mechanical properties, though very high concentrations may affect impact strength or elongation. Slip agents generally reduce coefficient of friction without significantly affecting other mechanical properties. Excessive slip agent addition may reduce impact strength or cause surface stickiness. Testing of final articles confirms that matte and slip addition does not compromise structural performance requirements.

Why does matte masterbatch cause surface roughness in my injection molded parts?

Surface roughness occurs when matte agent particles are too large or poorly dispersed, creating visible texture on molded surfaces. Particle agglomeration during compounding creates large clusters that appear as rough spots. Excessive matte masterbatch addition increases surface roughness. Proper screw configuration and processing parameters achieve uniform dispersion that creates consistent matte effect without excessive roughness. Particle size specification and supplier quality control prevent large particle problems.

What slip agent provides the best balance with matte characteristics?

Erucamide provides good slip characteristics with moderate migration rates that work well with most matte formulations. Oleamide offers faster surface effects but may migrate more quickly past matte agent particles. Behenamide provides superior permanence and reduced migration but at higher cost. Blending multiple slip agents often achieves optimal balance of slip rate and permanence for specific applications. Testing with your specific base polymer and processing conditions determines optimal slip agent selection.

How do I prevent matte agent dust during production?

Matte agent dust control requires dedicated powder handling systems with dust collection. Enclosed feeding systems prevent powder escape during material transfer. Local exhaust ventilation at powder transfer points captures fugitive dust. Regular cleaning of powder handling areas prevents dust accumulation. Personal protective equipment including respirators protects operators when working with fine matte agent powders. Equipment selection should include dust management features for powder-intensive formulations.

What quality tests verify matte and slip masterbatch performance?

Key quality tests include gloss meter measurements at specified angles, coefficient of friction testing, and melt flow index determination. Particle size analysis ensures matte agent specifications are met. Visual inspection identifies contamination and agglomeration. Moisture content testing prevents processing problems. Application testing under actual production conditions provides ultimate performance verification. Certificate of analysis confirms all specifications are met for each production lot.

How does screw configuration affect matte masterbatch quality?

Screw configuration determines mixing intensity and residence time distribution that directly affect matte agent dispersion quality. High-shear kneading elements achieve superior particle dispersion but increase thermal input that can degrade slip agents. Distributive mixing elements ensure uniform additive distribution throughout the polymer matrix. Configuration must balance dispersion requirements against slip agent thermal sensitivity. Wear patterns that develop over time gradually reduce mixing effectiveness and require periodic monitoring and element replacement.

Conclusion

Manufacturing premium matte and slip masterbatch requires systematic attention to formulation design, process optimization, and quality management throughout production operations. Twin screw extrusion technology provides the processing capability necessary for incorporating matte agents while preserving slip additive effectiveness. The Kerke KTE series offers scalable equipment solutions suitable for development operations through high-volume commercial production.

Successful production depends on understanding the interactions between matte agent particle characteristics, slip agent chemistry, and processing parameters. Temperature management preserves slip agent effectiveness while achieving adequate matte agent dispersion. Screw configuration optimization balances dispersive mixing requirements against thermal degradation risks. Powder handling systems ensure reliable feeding of high matte agent loading formulations. Quality control systems ensure consistent product performance meeting application requirements.

Equipment investment considerations extend beyond extruder pricing to encompass complete production line requirements including powder handling, feeding systems, and quality instrumentation. Maintenance programs preserve equipment performance and product quality throughout the operational lifecycle. Training and technical development build organizational capabilities for sustained competitive advantage in serving demanding applications across packaging, automotive, consumer goods, and specialty markets.

The growing demand for functional surface properties in plastic products creates opportunities for masterbatch producers capable of delivering consistent quality and technical expertise. Investment in people, processes, and technology builds capabilities that support long-term success in serving diverse applications requiring matte and slip characteristics. Continuous improvement and customer collaboration drive product development that addresses evolving market requirements for surface modification masterbatch products.