Development of a Polyolefin Plastomer Batch Inclusion Film, 1996 Polymers, Laminations & Coatings Conference Proceedings

A batch inclusion bag with a 75°C differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) maximum peak melting point was developed based on an ethylene/octene-1 polyolefin plastomer (POP) blended with a minor amount of EVA copolymer The POP was made using a constrained geometry catalyst.’ The blend replaced a 1,2-syudiotactic polybutadiene (syudio PBd) structure with a 94°C DSC melting point. Factors which caused the bag user to convert to a POP-rich/EVA structure were lower cost and a lower DSC melting point. A bag with enhanced sealing and puncture properties also was obtained. The POP-rich/EVA blend provided enhanced film physical and sealing properties versus use of either POP or EVA alone. The film used to make these bags was made using the blown film extrusion process. It was demonstrated that use of a high blow-up ratio (BUR), a narrow die gap and a high compression single flighted screw enhances film properties when these blends are extruded. Batch inclusion bags derive their name from the fact that the bag itself, along with its contents, is actually included in a production batch. The bag becomes part of a finished product. The bags in this study are 2 mil pillow structures used to contain additives for a manufacturer of rubber products. Use of batch inclusion bags versus other packaging allows bag users to realize a cleaner plant, reduced labour costs, reduced disposal costs, better industrial hygiene, more efficient use of raw materials, a more consistent mix and reduction in storage space.