A Linear Low Density Polyethylene with Exceptional Blown Film Haze and Gloss, and Low Film Blocking, 2003 PLACE Conference & GLOBAL HOT MELT Symposium

A hexene linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) product has recently been developed which, when blown into film, has a unique combination of high clarity, high gloss, film blocking values much lower than one practiced in today’s polyethylene science might expect, and stiffness higher than one might expect for its density. Twenty-five micron (1-mil) blown film haze value is in the range of 3.5-4.0%, 45-degree gloss value is about 82, film reblocking value at 38oC is only about 60 grams, and 1% secant moduli in the machine and transverse directions are about 325 and 380 MPa (47,000 and 55,000 psi), respectively. Addition of 1200 ppm erucylamide reduces the 38oC blocking value to zero grams while detracting only very slightly from the film’s optical properties. This LLDPE product’s melt index is 0.6 and its density is 0.926 g/cc. The film’s unusual combination of low haze, high gloss, low blocking, and high stiffness, while generally retaining the strength characteristics of a 0.926 g/cc LLDPE, makes this product attractive for many film applications.