ADDITIVES | FILM PRODUCTION
plant-based alternatives, according to Zelikman. “The unique proprietary chemistry is a combi-
batch of antiblock and a slip that provides a stable COF specifically for PE films. A synergistic effect is created during masterbatch production,” he says. The masterbatch is said to be finding use in heavy-duty bags, where sealing is critical, and also in antifog films. “Obtaining a low COF in an antifog film is a challenge because traditional slips com- pete with the antifog on the surface. This master- batch provides good COF without damaging the antifog effect,” Zelikman says. Antistatic additives for films are available in a
Above: Stand-up pouch with a paper-like feel and good printability produced in a mono-material PE laminate using Tosaf’s latest MATT masterbatch
Mono-structures Masterbatch suppliers have introduced a range of products to support the manufacture of BOPE mono-material film structures. Tosaf has introduced a portfolio of BOPE masterbatches that include slips, antiblocks, antistatics, and antifogs. “We have several products for monomaterial all-PE solutions that give the same optical, mechanical, and chemical resistance as BOPP/PE laminates,” says Michal Schreiber, Product Manager for Flexible Packaging Applications at the company. “We’re seeing BOPE and machine-direction oriented (MDO) PE in both blown and cast films being used, and we have masterbatches for each of these specific types,” Schreiber says. She adds that some film processors are switching from BOPET structures to structures with two PE film layers, which in some cases use a layer with a matt surface for reverse printing and then laminating. Tosaf’s latest matt additive for polyolefins is a
blend of polymers that is used to create a thin skin layer on a film. “A matt surface has a paper-like feel and is associated with luxury products,” says Evgeni Zelikman Chief innovation Scientist at Tosaf. “We can reach a higher level of quality and
Right: Many film additives are used to modify surface properties such as coefficient of friction and wetting, says Tosaf
transparency with this blend of polymers than with mineral-based matt additives,” Schreiber adds. She also says that the thermal resistance of Tosaf’s MATT allows its use as an external layer without being laminated to BOPET or BOPP. The matt additive also results in a high surface tension that supports printing and adhesion of a clear lacquer layer.
Optimised surfaces Surface properties are important for many aspects of film performance. For reliable processing in packaging machinery, for instance, a consistent coefficient of friction (COF) is highly desirable. Tosaf has developed a permanent, non-migrating slip additive mastertbatch that is intended to provide better control of COF than migrating,
20 COMPOUNDING WORLD | January 2021
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wide range of migrating and non-migrating chemistries. One of the challenges for conventional migrating antistatic technologies is that they may require a certain relative humidity to function. Tosaf claims that its latest migrating antistatic masterbatch for polyolefins — ST0249PE — works even with low humidity levels, has long-lasting activity, and works at a low loading. It is described as an amine-free product, which the company says makes it non- corrosive and suitable for electrical part packaging. Films used in building and construction (under
roofing, for example, or in protection film between walls and rooms, in carpet backing or house wrap) require flame retardancy and low smoke emission to meet appropriate standards. Tosaf Flame Retardant Business Manager Oren Moshe says in such applications it is important that UV and flame retardant additives do not interact negatively with each other. The company has introduced a dual- action flame retardant masterbatch that is de- signed to act as both as a UV and halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) for PE and PP films for outdoor uses, FR8906PE EU. Also targeted at construction industry applica- tions, Ampacet’s Halofree HFFR masterbatches,
IMAGE: TOSAF
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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