Milled, small particle size, solid bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane dicarboxylate salt-containing
thermoplastic nucleating additive formulations further comprising at least one
anticaking agent for improved haze reduction, improved nucleation performance,
and prevention of potential cementation (via agglomeration) of the salt component
present therein are provided. Such small particle size dicarboxylate salts provide
desirable properties within thermoplastic articles, particularly as nucleating
agents, but apparently suffer from certain clarity issues and agglomeration problems
(due to the flat and thin plate structures of such compounds and the propensity
they exhibit to cohere to each other during storage), making utilization thereof
less desirable for certain applications. Thus, an improvement has been provided
to permit full benefit of the excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness,
and calcium stearate compatibility such dicarboxylate salts accord within target
low haze thermoplastics. Furthermore, unexpected improvements in dusting reduction
have been found upon the utilization of such anticaking additives in combination
with the aforementioned nucleating salts. Thermoplastic additive compositions and
methods of producing thermoplastics with such nucleator/anticaking additive combinations
are also contemplated within this invention.