FILM ADDITIVES | MATERIALS
Above: Images show the surface quality of PP films without a processing aid (left), with 1% of a fluorine- based masterbatch (centre), and with 1% of Evonik’s Tegomer 6850
handleability,” says Croda. “This means that up to 33% less polymer is used to make a film that meets the same performance requirements, which also leads to a 33% reduction in transport emissions as less film is needed.” Over the past two years, Evonik has been boosting its portfolio of film additives a part of its ongoing sustainability efforts. It recently launched two new halogen-free processing aids (PPAs) — Tegomer 6810 and Tegomer 6850. These are based on the company’s organo-modified siloxane (OMS) chemistry and are intended as alternatives to conventional fluorine-based elastomer PPAs. The company says an advantage of OMS PPA products is that they act as a permanent slip enhancer. In addition, it says they present no concerns in respect of recyclability labelling. For films containing recyclate, Evonik also offers
its Tego Sorb line of odour suppression additives. These include a 100% active odour absorber additive, Tego Sorb PY 88, intended for use by masterbatchers and compounders, as well as the Tego Sorb PY 50 PE and Tego Sorb PY 50 PP grades, which are already in masterbatch form. The additives are based on zinc ricinoleate chemistry, which Evonik says reduces and eliminates odours evolving from various chemicals. “Differently from other odour control additives in the market, the Tego Sorb series work in accordance with the ‘lock and key’ principle by irreversibly binding odour-causing molecules rather than covering up or masking odours with a scent,” says Ido Offenbach, Americas Segments Manager at the company and whose brief includes Specialty Additives. Last year, the company also launched two new
compatibiliser additives, Tego XP 21024 and Tego XP 21025, intended for mixes of recycled PE in PP and PP in PE. They act as process stabilisers and reduce the incidence of gels. Moreover, they are claimed to enable higher film production speeds
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by lowering viscosity and providing lubrication to prevent melt fracture and shark skin. The Accurel direct and Accurel XP lines are two
examples of the company’s highly filled masterbatch technology. Accurel direct additives contain up to 80% by weight of active liquid ingredients used as antifogging agents, slip agents, antistatic agents, and antiblock agents. They are intended for use in mostly polyolefinic polymers. Accurel XP is an organic porous carrier technology based on thermoplastic polymers that allows customers to convert their own liquid additives into solid masterbatches. “This technology allows a reduction in logistic
costs,” says Offenbach. “For example, to deliver 7.5 tonnes of additives in conventional masterbatch with 15% active ingredient, 42.5 tonnes of resin are needed and five shipping containers need to be used for transport; if an Accurel technology is used, with 75% active ingredient, only 2.5 tonnes resin is needed and one shipping container.” Both product lines are said to be free-flowing and easy to dose. A new addition to the film additive line up is
anorthosite, a multi-functional additive that Canada’s Hudson Greenland has recently started mining in Greenland. Branded as “Greenspar,” this white mineral is a calcium aluminium silicate sourced from a high-purity deposit (at White Mountain in Greenland) and is said to hold potential for use in antiblock applications in polyethylene film. The company is also optimistic over finding uses in other areas as well, predominantly in combination with non-polar polymers. Hudson Greenland says several customers are
currently sampling the mineral. In polyethylene film, Greenspar matches the refractive index of the polymer to provide very good clarity as well as highly efficient anti-blocking performance, according to company CEO Brian Hanrahan. Flame retardancy is not a property generally associated with packaging films but it is an
January 2022 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 19
IMAGE: EVONIK
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