Advancements in Polypropylene for Extrusion Coating, 2001 Polymers Laminations & Coatings Conference Proceedings

W. R. Bridendolph, D. E. Powell--Though polypropylene grades for extrusion coating have been available for many years, they have generally been perceived as isspecialty grades.ll Polypropylene has some inherent advantages over polyethylene (i.e. heat resistance, grease resistance, abrasion resistance), but historically has been viewed as ismore difficultll to process. Process development studies and recent advancements in resin formulations have shown that ihdifferentle need not equate to iomore difficult,ll and that new polypropylene grades can be efficient and economic alternatives to older-generation polypropylenes or polyethylene in many applications. The potential for new polypropylene grades in extrusion coating has been demonstrated by recent growth in such diverse markets as: woven and nonwoven fabric, including housewrap, bulk bags, lumber and other wraps; coated paper, such as ream wrap, pet food packaging, freezer wrap, meat wrap, and release paper; paperboard products, such as folding cartons, spiral wound cans and microwaveable packaging.