Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Plastics & Elastomers Functions
- Technologies
Features & Benefits
- Labeling Claims
- Materials Features
- Product Background
- High clarity and thin polyolefin, polyester and polyamide films are inherently prone to “blocking.” Here blocking refers to the tendency of the opposite film faces to adhere to each other and is most prevalent during film winding operations.
- Blocking is particularly common in films produced by the following techniques: Blown Film Extrusion, Casting, Biaxial Orientation, Tubular Water Quench (Polypropylene) & Calendering
- Unless remedied, blocking causes severe handling problems during film fabrication and final conversion/packaging applications.
- Product Highlights
- Anti-blocking Efficiency - Anti-blocking agents work by imparting a micro-roughness to the surfaces of polymer films. This reduces the contact area between the film layers and allows for penetration of air between them, thereby reducing adhesion and reduces or eliminates blocking without compromising the balance of the physical and optical properties of the film.. Ecovyst anti-blocking silica products are ideally suited for use in all high clarity and thin film applications and the technical experts at Ecovyst can assist with the selection of the optimal product.
- Absorption of Additives - Most packaging films require good slip properties. The micro-rough film surface imparted by anti-blocking silicas combined with slip additives reduces film friction. Synthetic silicas are manufactured with a wide range of surface area and pore volume characteristics. The technology of the Ecovyst range of anti-blocking silicas has been tailored to combine the greatest anti-blocking efficiency with a low absorption of other polymer additives.
- Optical Properties - Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas are particularly suitable for polyolefin and polyester film grades where optical properties are of prime importance.
- Ease of Dispersion - Incorporation of anti-blocking additives into the polymer resin is a critical operation because poor dispersion will result in poor efficiency and the inclusion of optical defects in the final polymer film. The degree of dispersion generally depends upon the type of equipment used. High shear mixing normally has to be applied in order to obtain a homogenous distribution of anti-block in the final film. Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas have been specifically tailored to provide optimal dispersion characteristics with batch/internal (Banbury-type) mixers, twin and single screw, low and high shear extrusion systems. Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas can be incorporated into film forming resins at the required concentration by direct addition, compacted/non-dusty multi-additive blend, or via masterbatch concentrate.
- Product Benefits
- High Efficiency - Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas have accurately controlled particle size, porosity and bulk density characteristics. The anti-blocking effect is instantaneous after film formation.
- Color Generation - Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas are manufactured from high purity, synthetic feedstocks. This ensures that the products contain low levels of trace metal contaminants and provide excellent non-yellowing performance.
- Film Quality - Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas have a minimal effect on mechanical properties, allowing smooth films with excellent scratch resistance to be produced. A high film gloss is maintained and films containing anti-blocking silicas are not subject to scuffing when rubbed together. Finished films have excellent printability and ink adhesion.
- Clarity - The refractive index of Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas is comparable to that of polyolefin and polyester resins, allowing film clarity to be maintained at a high level.
- Excellent Dispersibility - Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas provide an optimal balance of particle size, porosity and bulk density characteristics.
- Low Abrasivity - Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas are soft honeycomb structures that are sufficiently strong to resist mechanical attrition during processing but soft enough to minimize wear on processing equipment.
- Inert - Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas are inorganic and do not affect taint, odor or toxicity. The use of anti-blocking silicas in polymer films does not lead to taint and odor problems in packaging applications. Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas are amorphous to X-rays and are non-silicotic.
- Consistent Product Quality - The precise control of the physical and chemical characteristics of Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas ensures consistent performance.
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Compatible Polymers & Resins
- Plastics & Elastomers Processing Methods
- Applications
- PE Masterbatch
- PE Film General
- PE Film High Clarity
Properties
- Physical Form
- Ecovyst Anti-Blocking Silica Comparison & Selection
Target Film Thickness (µm) Recommended APS (µm) ← Increasing Antiblock Efficiency Oil Adsorption (g/100g) 0 - 100 100 - 200 200 - 300 < 20 2.5 - 3.5 Gasil® AB720, Gasil® AB910 Gasil® AB730, Gasil® AB723 20 - 50 4.0 - 5.0 Gasil® AB200DF Gasil® AB740, Gasil® AB725, Gasil® AB750 Gasil® AB23D 50 - 70 5.5 - 7.0 Gasil® AB710, Gasil® AB905, Gasil® AB705 Gasil® AB940, Gasil® AB114 > 70 8.5 Gasil® AB-EBN Increasing Antiblock Efficiency →
Regulatory & Compliance
- Certifications & Compliance
- Special Approvals
Ecovyst anti-blocking silicas have FDA & EU Food Contact Approval, conform to the requirements of the JHOSPA and are Halal and Kosher certified.
Storage & Handling
- Storage
- Ecovyst silicas are hygroscopic in nature and care should be taken to minimize moisture absorbance during storage. It is recommended that pallets of Ecovyst silicas are not stored on top of each other.
- Care should be taken when handling the product to minimize dusting.