This reference describes more than 16,000 trade name and generic chemicals that function as plastic and rubber additive ingredients in the formulation of a variety of end products. The extensive information about these functional materials has been gathered from more than 1800 worldwide manufacturers, their subsidiaries, and distributors.

Plastic additives are a diverse group of specialty chemicals that are either incorporated into the plastic product prior to or during processing, or applied to the surface of the product when processing has been completed. These additives aid in the actual processing of the plastic end product (e.g., blowing agents, mold release agents, lubricants, organic peroxides) or improve the characteristics of the final product (antimicrobials, odorants, colorants, antistatic agents, impact modifiers, and UV stabilizers).

Natural rubbers and synthetic elastomers derive their commercial versatility from the incorporation of additives classified into three categories:

• Antidegradants (including antiozonants and antioxidants)
• Accelerators and vulcanizing agents
• Specialty additives (e.g., blowing agents, plasticizers, flame retardants, softeners)

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