plastic film additives
TRANSCRIPT
PLASTIC FILM ADDITIVES
The Advantage is ClearSM
In the wide range of high clarity packaging filmMINBLOC® imparts essential antiblocking functionalitywithout diminishing critical optical, mechanical or structural properties. Compounders and resin producers will find MINBLOC provides an opportunityto rationalize their matrix of resins, additives and
processes with a single, efficient optical-grade antiblock. For producers in highlycompetitive market segments MINBLOC can facilitate a cost effective entry intopremium higher value applications.
A uniquely occurring combination of refractive index and particle morphology,MINBLOC properties are further refined to deliver the industry’s lowest hazevalues with excellent clarity and gloss performance. With a refractive indexthat is nearly identical to that of clarity grade polyolefin resins, MINBLOCoperates transparently within the polymer matrix. This unique optical propertyhas allowed MINBLOC to become a standard for high clarity LDPE film andmake it advantageous in a broad range of polyolefins, including butene, hexene and octene LLDPE resins, high clarity metallocene catalyzed products,and a variety of co-polymer and blended resins.
The Industry’s Best Haze, Gloss and Clarity Values
Haze, ASTM D1003LDPE; 1.8 M.I. g/10 min; 0.921 Density. g/cm3 32 micron film thickness, 1000 ppm Erucamide, 2500 ppm Antiblock.
ANTIBLOCKS FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
8LDPE SERIES LLDPE SERIES
Haze
, Per
cent
Antiblock Loading, ppm
7
6
5
4
22
18
14
10
6
20 1000 2500 4000 5000 4000 5000 6000 7500 8000 10000
MINBLOC
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
TREATED TALC
SYNTHETIC SILICA
Haze vs Antiblock Loading in Polyolefin Films
Proprietary refining and classification technology preserves MINBLOC’s inherent refractive advantage for excellent film see-through properties. Engineered particle size distributions and statistically controlled retention in the critical 2 to 10 micron size range produces efficient antiblocking in correct proportion to the film profile. MINBLOC also facilitates a complete dispersion without agglomeration throughout the polymer matrix for optimum antiblocking functionality. Lab analyses confirm that the statistical control of MINBLOC’s upper and lower particle extremes effectively maintain film optics,even in hazier resin types and film systems that require higher antiblock loading levels.
Perce
nt
10
9
8
7
6
5
�4
�3
2MINBLOC Diatomaceous
Earth #1Diatomaceous
Earth #2Synthetic Silica #2
Synthetic Silica #1
Treated Talc #1
Treated Talc #2
The MINBLOC particle is a low surface area and non-porous structure ideal for efficient particle wetting and particle to polymer bonding. Absent are themicro-surface porosities or irregular particle shapes that can agglomerate,cause incomplete wetting and produce air inclusions. These abnormalities are asource of light refraction and distortion that causes increased internal haze andcorresponding loss of transparency. When subjected to the high shear forces ofcompounding and extrusion, MINBLOC maintains its physical integrity and willnot break down into a different sub-performing particle size distribution.
MINBLOC® is proven compatible with the entirerange of polyolefin resins, including LDPE, LLDPE,PP, EVA copolymers and blends, and is efficientlyincorporated in polymers made by all processesand catalyst systems. An inert and nonreactivematerial, MINBLOC is compounded with minimal
chemical or physical interaction with other components of the additives package. With controlled surface area and fewer interactive sites, MINBLOCvirtually eliminates modifier and stabilizer inefficiencies due to absorption,surface adhesion or chemical reaction. MINBLOC’s natural affinity for polymer wetting also improves dispersion without the need for additionalsurface treatments or coatings.
PROCESS AND PRODUCT COMPATIBILITY
Engineered to be Minimally Invasive
00
2
4
6
8
10
300400500
50 100 150 200 250ASTM D281 Oil Absorption Index,
(grams of oil per 100 grams antiblock)
BET
Surfa
ce A
rea,
m2 /g MINBLOCDIATOMACEOUS EARTHTREATED TALCSYNTHETIC SILICACALCINED KAOLIN CLAY
Antib
lock L
oadin
gImpact Strength
0 ppmBarefoot Resin
1000 ppm
2500 ppm
5000 ppm
N-m 0.405 0.9450.8100.6750.5400.2700.1350
Oil Absorption and Surface Area of Antiblocking MineralsNote: Icon size is in proportion to data ranges from multiple suppliers
Dart Impact Strength vs. Antiblock Loading, ASTM D427232 micron blown film; LDPE; 1.8 M.I. 0.921 Density 1000 ppm Erucamide, MINBLOC HC 1400 Antiblock
While the addition of any additive or filler will have some impact on filmintegrity, MINBLOC is engineered to operate in a minimally invasive way. Its advantageous surface chemistry is fully exploited when precisely classifiedto produce antiblocking and thermal additives with the lowest possible surfacearea. Precise control over the particle size distribution eliminates oversize andultrafine particles to maintain critical tensile strength, tear resistance and impactproperties of polyolefin films. MINBLOC additives also offer the collateraladvantage of acting as an inorganic nucleating agent to increase the degreeand rate of polymer crystallinity in polypropylene systems.
MINBLOC additions have no adverse effect on high-speed conversion equipmentand heat-sealing processes. Similarly, MINBLOC will not impact film treatmentand ink adhesion in high definition flexographic packaging film printing. A freeflowing powder, MINBLOC is easily metered through conventional gravity feederswithout agglomerating to facilitate highly loaded thermal film production.
This combination of absorptive properties, surface area and micro-porosity correlates directly with additive efficiency. Non-reactivity with other additive components means improved cost effectiveness and performance of slip
additives, antioxidants, stabilizers, colorants and other processing aids. In some formulations, MINBLOC operates synergistically with erucamide slip additives to optimize both slip and antiblock performance and
to enhance film production and handling properties. Compared to more porous mineral additives, MINBLOC will not diminish the performance of costly processing aids, effectively increasing film throughput and reducing the incidence of film surface defects. Low surface area and minimal porosity also helps to reduce interference with UV stabilizers to extend the effectiveness
of these important thermal film additives.
A Natural Balance of Performance and Inert ServiceMINBLOC purity also assures compliance with environmental, recycling and wastedisposal regulations. As a naturally occurring mineral additive MINBLOC is exemptfrom the REACH registration protocol. MINBLOC complies with CONEG and theEuropean Communities Directive 2002/95/EC (ROHS) regarding the restrictionand use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
When emerging opportunities require additionalhealth and safety certifications and regulatory compliance or new customer requirements necessitatea rationalization of antiblock formulations, MINBLOC®
can provide a solution. MINBLOC delivers the idealcombination of performance and non-reactive
service in the most demanding food production, food packaging, pharmaceuticaland human contact applications.
As a single component additive, MINBLOC greatly simplifies the regulatoryapproval process. MINBLOC does not contain, nor is it manufactured with,chemical additives, organic solvents or substances of animal origin. Functionalitywithout the need for surface treatments or dispersion aids also means MINBLOC brings no additional chemical interactions into the compounding or production environment.
MINBLOC is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and complies with all knowninternational regulatory requirements for direct and indirect food contact,including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Commission of theEuropean Communities Directive 2002/72/ EC, its predecessors, amendmentsand specific country enabling regulations. MINBLOC is compliant with Japan’sHygenic and Styrene Plastics Association regulations, JHOSPA registrationnumber (B) NJ-0694, and is exempt under Japan’s MITI regulations as a nonchemical substance. Chemical purity and general inertness make MINBLOC an excellent candidate for incorporation in medical device filmsand pharmaceutical packaging applications. MINBLOC also carries the Kosher-Pareve certification.
CERTIFICATIONS AND SOLUTIONS
Crop and ornamental production under the protectionof an engineered horticultural film will benefit fromMINBLOC® additions. MINBLOC additives are designedto optimize light transmittance, maximize thermalefficiency, and extend field service life of single component or blended LDPE, LLDPE or EVA systems.
When the objective is improved heat retention in double-layer greenhouses or in high and low tunnel applications, MINBLOC additives perform as infraredreflectors to improve thermal efficiency. With strong infrared reflection properties in the mid range 7-14 µm (1400-700 cm-1) wavelength region,MINBLOC filled polyolefin films retain as much as 88% of captured light energy.
Improve Transmittance and Thermal Efficiency
13001400 1200 1100 1000 900 800 700
LDPE with 10% MINBLOCUnfilled LDPE
Unfilled LDPE Thermicity = 73%(Heat loss = 73%; heat retained = 27%)
MINBLOC Thermicity = 22%(Heat loss = 22%; heat retained = 78%)
% Tra
nsmi
ttanc
e
Wavenumbers (cm-1)
50
100
20
3040
60
7080
90100
Determination of thermicity from the FTIRspectra for a film filled with MINBLOC by
measuring the fraction of infrared light thatpasses through the film from 7 to 14 microns,
as indicated by the hatched area
Total LightTransmittance
100908070605040302010
0Pe
rcent
Direct LightTransmittance
Indirect LightTransmittance
Clarity Thermicity
MINBLOC @ 5% MINBLOC @ 10% MINBLOC @ 15% Calcined Kaolin Clay @ 10%
Infrared Transmittance and ThermicityUnfilled 100 micron LDPE Film vs. LDPE with 10% MINBLOC
Effect of Loading on Optical Properties of Thermal Films100 micron Pressed LDPE Film
FUNCTIONALITY IN HORTICULTURAL FILM
MINBLOC particle size distributions are further optimized according to Mie theory to increase light scattering effects by concentrating particles that displayslightly broader infrared bands.
MINBLOC containing films also help accelerate plant growth by transmittingmore photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) to accelerate the process ofphotosynthesis. Because MINBLOC’s refractive index essentially matches the host plastic, visible light transmittance can measure in excess of 90%. This refractive index also allows producers to exceed traditional 10% loadinglimits without degrading film optical properties, tensile strength or service life. When indirect or diffused light is sought for a more uniform growth withoutshadowing or burning, loading levels can be increased to produce a controlledhaze. Highly filled systems with as much as 60% measured haze still transmitsufficient direct and indirect light for accelerated plant growth. MINBLOC istransparent to UV radiation and as such thermal film formulations shouldalways contain an effective UV stabilization system and antioxidants to slowfilm photo degradation.
MINBLOC purity also helps extend thermal film lifetime by eliminating the primary catalysts of environmental weathering. The deleterious effects of even trace amounts of iron, copper, nickel, zinc, chromium and titaniumin the film oxidation process are well recognized by the industry. Producedfrom extremely pure mineral feedstock, MINBLOC can reduce these contaminants by as much as 20X. In silage and field storage applicationsMINBLOC improves UV stability, for reduced storage losses, improved integrity in handling and extended useful life.
This added thermicity accumulates and holds heat that would otherwise be lost during nighttime, reducing the need for supplemental
space heating in cooler climates. In controlled laboratorytests, LPDE thermal films containing MINBLOC retain nearly 70% more heat than unfilled polyethylene.
MINBLOC® plastic film additives offer an exceptional balance of clarity, purity, antiblockperformance, and thermal efficiency for a wide range of packaging and horticultural film systems. MINBLOC provides reliable antiblock performance even in the harshest handling and storage environments. For horticultual applications, MINBLOC delivers excellent light transmittance and thermal efficiencies for improved climate managementand crop production.
All MINBLOC grades are processed and refined in statistically controlled manufacturing operations dedicated to the production of plastic film additives. Particle size distributions andspecific surface areas are precisely tailored for optimized performance. Raw materials,processes and analytical services receive additional certification under ISO.
Complementing this unique product line is a support system of technically proficientsales representatives, research engineers and transportation professionals. Specifiedworldwide, MINBLOC polyolefin film additives are available through a global networkof independent distributors, agents and company operated facilities.
For additional product information, contact our nearest agent, distributor or call us directly.
® MINBLOC is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. SM THE ADVANTAGE IS CLEAR is a registered service mark. ©2010
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