Performance Characterization of Hybrid Clarity Antiblocks Using Atomic Force Microscopy, 2002 PLACE Conference Proceedings

Antiblocking efficiency of mineral additives in Polyethylene film has long been associated to the performance of the particles relative to their size, distribution, placement in the film, and optical performance. The effectiveness of the antiblock is directly related to the roughness they impart on the film while minimizing loss in optical properties. New hybrid clarity antiblocks provide the necessary roughness and optical quality required in today’s high clarity films when compared to alternative synthetic and natural silica.

Polyethylene films containing antiblock (patented) mineral additives were characterized with the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The AFM provides quantitative surface topography data that is used to compare the roughness and surface morphology among LLDPE films containing several types of antiblock fillers. In addition to topography, AFM images collected using TappingMode™ imaging yields information about the film chemical differences such as crystallinity and filler location.