additives | Film production
more even distribution in the fi lm. In addition, the product improves organoleptic properties. Compared to other low molecular weight light stabilizers, the
Figure 1: Light transmission of weathered LDPE fi lms comparing performance of BASF’s Tinuvin XT200 HALS additive against a nickel quencher (NiQ) system
dust-free granulate is also easy to process and there are no unpleasant odours or vapours during fi lm production. Another signifi cant problem connected with the use of agricultural fi lms is also solved using the Clariant HALS technology. The bees that are used to provide natural pollination use specifi c light waves to navigate their way around. If this range of UV radiation is fi ltered out by the agricultural fi lm, the bees’ mobility – and as a consequence their pollination – is impaired. One masterbatch, AddWorks AGC 104, fi lters out just one specifi c UV wavelength range in order to allow for natural pollination by bees. Light waves needed by insects for orientation, and which are not harmful for plants, pass through.
No more NOR HALS?
Spanish masterbatch producer CCP has been involved with several other SMEs and research organisations in the EU-sponsored project Greenavoid. This two-year project, which ended in 2015, had the aim of developing an integrated solution combining a new fi lm formula- tion more resistant than current types to UV degrada- tion in the presence of burning sulphur, together with an improved design of sulphur vaporizer that minimises the amount of sulphur reaching the fi lm. The solution is intended to enable production of agricultural fi lms with a three-year warranty in the presence of sulphur and under light radiation of 145-150 kilo-Langleys/year (the average level of radiation in southern Europe).
Figure 2: Accelerated UV ageing shows mechanical properties of fi lm containing CCP’s inorganic UV absorber improve over time
Source: CCP
containing NiQ degraded so quickly that they had to be replaced after 15-18 months (Figure 1). Clariant is taking a similar path to BASF with its
Hostavin NOW HALS and its AddWorks AGC portfolio of light stabilizer masterbatches for greenhouse fi lm. Hostavin NOW uses what Clariant describes as an innovative amino ether HALS technology, which is said to offer strong resistance to aggressive pesticides as well as high UV protection. The hindered amines are bonded to long alkyl chains and do not migrate out of the fi lm, considerably extending the lifespan of agricultural fi lms. Clariant says Hostavin NOW is more compatible with polyolefi ns than other HALS, making for an easier and
18 COMPOUNDING WORLD | January 2016
Gerard Marqués Tura, technical manager with CCP, said it was possible to produce additive formulations – one providing UV absorption in the outer layer of a three-layer fi lm (MBUV0420) and one providing a barrier on the inner-layer (MBBA0015) – that eliminated the need for organic UV absorbers that migrate to the fi lm surface, as well as for sulphur-resistant HALS. The formulations, which remain confi dential, contain different types of inorganic additives. One of the partners in the Greenavoid project was French company Marion Technologies, which developed nanofi llers for some formulations, but Tura says other inorganic additives developed at CCP have also produced good results. In traditional fi lms, it is diffi cult to avoid the use of a
HALS because the UV absorber absorbs only around 85% of the incident radiation, says Tura. The HALS is required to prevent degradation, and something like a NOR HALS is needed because the sulphur penetrates deep into the fi lm from within the greenhouse. He says that with the new CCP formulations and the new sulphur burner, which deposits less sulphur on the
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