AddWorks PPA 101 FG is a PFAS-free polymer processing aid (PPA) for polyolefin extrusion applications, based on this company’s proprietary organic material technology. In polyethylene (PE) blown and cast films, it solves melt fracture – commonly called sharkskin – and it prevents die build-up. For decades, fluoropolymer-based polymer processing aids have been the standard solution to these challenging production issues, but tightening global PFAS regulations and even selective bans in certain regions and applications are the driving forces behind the emerging conventional fluoropolymer technology phase-out. AddWorks PPA 101 FG is suitable for LLDPE-based packaging, agricultural, and building and construction film applications among others. Unlike fluoropolymer-based PPAs, it contains no PFAS, no silicone, nor inorganic substances, it is non-hazardous and label-free, and holds broad food contact approvals under FDA, EFSA, Mercosur, China GB and Japanese regulations.Fluoropolymer-based polymer-processing aids have long been effective tools in PE film extrusion. The challenge is that they contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – the so-called forever chemicals that are highly persistent in the environment and harmful to human, animal and plant life. Regulators across the EU, USA, and Asia are progressively restricting PFAS use across chemical sectors, and polymer additives are within scope. PE film converters supplying packaging markets face both PFAS restrictions on the additive itself and recyclability mandates under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which create additional incentives to eliminate PFAS from packaging film formulations.
Source: Clariant
AddWorks PPA 101 FG is a 100% active fine-grain formulation with an approximate bulk density of 500–600 g/L. It lowers apparent shear stress at the extruder die wall, which raises the critical shear rate and allows higher output without melt fracture. Sharkskin removal typically begins 20 to 40 minutes after line start-up, depending on let-down ratio (LDR), resin type, film configuration, and process- and equipment parameters. At a 0.2% LDR, performance is near-equivalent to conventional fluoropolymer-based PPAs in critical shear rate testing. The product is thermally stable, with less than 0.5% weight loss below 280°C and less than 0.9% below 320°C. It can be incorporated via the host resin, as a concentrate, or via a masterbatch carrier. AddWorks PPA 101 FG typically works in Ziegler-Natta LLDPE as well as in more difficult to process metallocene LLDPE resins. And this in fully formulated film configurations without antagonistic effects with typical film co-additivation. — Clariant AG, Muttenz, Switzerland