PROCESSING | PROCESS AIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Chart showing the positive effect of the use of IncroMax 100 additive on stretching load requirement and stress whitening during production of biaxially oriented PET (BOPET) films
Source: Cargill
resistance to scratches and scuffing. “The IncroMax 100 additive does not act as a plasticiser, therefore PET’s (and BOPET’s) morphology and mechanical properties remain intact. Also, it does not cause any haze when dosed within the recommended levels, which makes it ideal for transparent applications,” he says.
Biaxial process Homsi adds that a particular aspect of the IncroMax 100 additive is that it acts as a processing aid during extrusion of the film and through the biaxial orientation process, which takes place in the temperature range of 95-115°C. He says the additive lubricates the molecular chains, which makes the film easier to stretch and reduces the required stretching load when compared to a control PET without the additive. “As a result, IncroMax 100 additive enables
orientation of PET at lower temperatures, which can contribute to energy savings,” he says. “Addition- ally, when polymers in general are stretched at lower temperatures, the orientation is more effective in terms of mechanical property improve- ment. However, the risk of causing stress-whitening increases and that can be detrimental in packaging applications. By reducing the stretching load of PET, IncroMax 100 additive can also enable PET to stretch more (at higher stretch ratios) with less stress-whitening. With improved elongation at lower temperatures, converters can potentially achieve higher throughput and yield while main- taining product integrity.” BOPET films are gaining interest as a potentially
more recyclable alternative to BOPP films, accord- ing to Cargill, and the company is currently testing whether IncroMax additive has any effect during mechanical recycling of PET. Results to date
32 COMPOUNDING WORLD | April 2024
indicate that it does not increase degradation during subsequent recycling steps, with reduced discoloration suggesting it may actually slow PET degradation.
In addition to BOPET films, the additive is also said to be useful for use in films and sheets made from PET, PETG, PLA and blends of PLA with other polymers, such as PBAT, PBS, and PHA. In such applications it provides both internal and external lubrication, allowing extrusion at lower tempera- tures and pressures, reducing energy consumption and improving output rate. Sourcing additives from bio-based raw materials
is a growing trend as companies are more closely examining carbon footprint and working to meet sustainability goals. Clariant’s Licocare Vita RBW 560 TP, for example, is based on renewable crude rice bran wax. It is used mainly in engineering thermoplastics applications as a lubricant and dispersion aid.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.epa.gov �
https://echa.europa.eu �
www.baerlocher.com �
www.doverchem.com/doverclear �
www.evonik.com �
www.mitsui.com �
https://polymerdynamix.com �
www.tosaf.com �
www.ampacet.com �
https://kafrit.com �
https://constab.com �
https://polyfilinc.com �
www.techmerpm.com �
www.ingeniapolymers.com �
www.caiadditives.com �
www.cargill.com
www.compoundingworld.com
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