WO2000038843A1 - Biaxially oriented polyethylene film with improved optics and sealability properties - Google Patents
Biaxially oriented polyethylene film with improved optics and sealability properties Download PDFInfo
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- WO2000038843A1 WO2000038843A1 PCT/US1999/026470 US9926470W WO0038843A1 WO 2000038843 A1 WO2000038843 A1 WO 2000038843A1 US 9926470 W US9926470 W US 9926470W WO 0038843 A1 WO0038843 A1 WO 0038843A1
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- base sheet
- film
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- machine direction
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D3/00—Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials
- B05D3/12—Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by mechanical means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D7/00—Processes, other than flocking, specially adapted for applying liquids or other fluent materials to particular surfaces or for applying particular liquids or other fluent materials
- B05D7/02—Processes, other than flocking, specially adapted for applying liquids or other fluent materials to particular surfaces or for applying particular liquids or other fluent materials to macromolecular substances, e.g. rubber
- B05D7/04—Processes, other than flocking, specially adapted for applying liquids or other fluent materials to particular surfaces or for applying particular liquids or other fluent materials to macromolecular substances, e.g. rubber to surfaces of films or sheets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C55/00—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor
- B29C55/02—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets
- B29C55/023—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets using multilayered plates or sheets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/14—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
- B32B37/15—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer being manufactured and immediately laminated before reaching its stable state, e.g. in which a layer is extruded and laminated while in semi-molten state
- B32B37/153—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer being manufactured and immediately laminated before reaching its stable state, e.g. in which a layer is extruded and laminated while in semi-molten state at least one layer is extruded and immediately laminated while in semi-molten state
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D1/00—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials
- B05D1/26—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials performed by applying the liquid or other fluent material from an outlet device in contact with, or almost in contact with, the surface
- B05D1/265—Extrusion coatings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2023/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2023/04—Polymers of ethylene
- B29K2023/06—PE, i.e. polyethylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
- B32B38/0012—Mechanical treatment, e.g. roughening, deforming, stretching
- B32B2038/0028—Stretching, elongating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/40—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular optical properties
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
- B32B2307/514—Oriented
- B32B2307/518—Oriented bi-axially
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
- B32B2323/04—Polyethylene
- B32B2323/043—HDPE, i.e. high density polyethylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
- B32B2323/04—Polyethylene
- B32B2323/046—LDPE, i.e. low density polyethylene
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10S428/91—Product with molecular orientation
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
- Y10T428/31855—Of addition polymer from unsaturated monomers
- Y10T428/31909—Next to second addition polymer from unsaturated monomers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
- Y10T428/31855—Of addition polymer from unsaturated monomers
- Y10T428/31909—Next to second addition polymer from unsaturated monomers
- Y10T428/31913—Monoolefin polymer
Definitions
- the present invention relates to methods of preparing polymer films. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods of preparing biaxially oriented polyethylene films with improved optics and sealability properties.
- the polymer is first extruded to provide a stream of polymer melt, and then the extruded polymer is subjected to the film-making process.
- Film-making typically involves a number of discrete procedural stages including melt film formation, quenching and windup.
- orientation An optional part of the film-making process is a procedure known as "orientation.”
- the "orientation" of a polymer is a reference to its molecular organization, i.e., the orientation of molecules relative to each other.
- the process of "orientation” is the process by which directionality (orientation) is imposed upon the polymeric arrangements in the film.
- the process of orientation is employed to impart desirable properties to films, including making cast films tougher (higher tensile properties).
- cast films tougher higher tensile properties
- the orientation process requires substantially different procedures. This is related to the different physical characteristics possessed by films made by the two conventional film-making processes: casting and blowing.
- blown films tend to have greater stiffness and toughness.
- cast films usually have the advantages of greater film clarity and uniformity of thickness and flatness, generally permitting use of a wider range of polymers and producing a higher quality film.
- Orientation is accomplished by heating a polymer to a temperature at or above its glass- transition temperature (T g ) but below its crystalline melting point (T m ), and then stretching the film quickly.
- T g glass- transition temperature
- T m crystalline melting point
- the molecular alignment imposed by the stretching competes favorably with crystallization and the drawn polymer molecules condense into a crystalline network with crystalline domains (crystallites) aligned in the direction of the drawing force.
- the degree of orientation is proportional to the amount of stretch and inversely related to the temperature at which the stretching is performed.
- orientation in the resulting film will tend to be less than that in another film stretched 2: 1 but at a lower temperature.
- higher orientation also generally correlates with a higher modulus, i.e., measurably higher stiffness and strength. Further, as a general rule, higher orientation correlates with films having improved gloss and haze characteristics in the absence of cavitation.
- biaxial orientation When a film has been stretched in a single direction (monoaxial orientation), the resulting film exhibits great strength and stiffness along the direction of stretch, but it is weak in the other direction, i.e., across the stretch, often splitting or tearing when flexed or pulled.
- two-way or biaxial orientation is employed to more evenly distribute the strength qualities of the film in two directions.
- These biaxially oriented films tend to be stiffer and stronger, and also exhibit much better resistance to flexing or folding forces, leading to their greater utility in packaging applications.
- Tenter frame orienting apparatus stretches the film first in the direction of the film travel, i.e., in the longitudinal or “machine direction” (MD), and then in the direction perpendicular to the machine direction, i.e., the lateral or “transverse direction” (TD).
- MD longitudinal or “machine direction”
- TD transverse direction
- the degree to which a film can be oriented is dependent upon the polymer from which it is made.
- Polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon are highly crystalline polymers that are readily heat stabilized to form dimensionally stable films. These films are well known to be capable of being biaxially stretched to many times the dimensions in which they are originally cast (e.g., 5X by 8X or more for polypropylene).
- High density polyethylene (HDPE), however, exhibits even higher crystallinity (e.g.,
- HDPE films are generally more difficult to biaxially orient than polypropylene films.
- U.S. Patent Nos. 4,870,122 and 4,916,025 describe imbalanced biaxially oriented HDPE-containing films that are MD oriented up to two times, and TD oriented at least six times. This method produces a film that tears relatively easily in the transverse direction. Multi-layer films prepared according to this method are also disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,302,442, 5,500,283 and 5,527,608, which are incorporated herein by reference.
- the film-making process can also include extrusion coating a film to impart superior characteristics to the film and methods of extrusion coating are well known in the art. Most known methods provide for extrusion coating a film after it has been biaxially oriented. However, the gloss and haze characteristics as well as the sealability properties of the films prepared according to these known methods can be improved.
- the methods of the present invention provide for stretching in the machine direction a multi-layer base sheet having a core layer with a first and a second side, at least one skin layer and outer surfaces; then extrusion coating at least one of the outer surfaces of the base sheet with a resin selected from low density polyethylene (LDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and blends thereof; and then stretching the base sheet in a direction transverse to the machine direction whereby a biaxially oriented polyethylene film having improved optics and sealability properties is prepared.
- LDPE low density polyethylene
- VLDPE very low density polyethylene
- LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
- the core layer of the base sheet includes a polyethylene and preferably, the polyethylene is a high density polyethylene (HDPE).
- the skin layer of the base sheet is coextensive with the core layer and the skin layer includes HDPE, LDPE or a copolymer of polypropylene and ethylene.
- the thickness of the skin layer prior to film preparation is preferably from 0.0000254cm (0.01 mil) to 0.000381cm (0.15 mil).
- the methods of the present invention provide for first stretching a multi-layer base sheet in the machine direction.
- the base sheet is stretched in the machine direction to a degree of from 5: 1 to 8: 1.
- at least one of the outer surfaces of the base sheet is coated with a resin after orienting the base sheet in the machine direction.
- the amount of resin provided should be an amount sufficient to yield a film with 3 to 10 wt% of the film including resin.
- the base sheet is oriented in a direction transverse to the machine direction. It is preferable that the base sheet is stretched in a direction transverse to the machine direction to a degree of from 6:1 to 15:1.
- the methods of the present invention also provide for preparing various structured biaxially oriented polyethylene films with improved optics and sealability properties.
- One preferred method of the present invention provides for producing a film having at least a three layer structure.
- a multi-layer base sheet has a core layer, a skin layer and outer surfaces.
- the base sheet further includes at least one tie layer interposed between the core layer and the skin layer and coextensive with each of the core layer and the skin layer.
- the base sheet is first stretched in the machine direction.
- the base sheet is extrusion coated with a resin selected from LDPE, NLDPE, LLDPE and blends thereof.
- a resin selected from LDPE, NLDPE, LLDPE and blends thereof is extrusion coated with a resin selected from LDPE, NLDPE, LLDPE and blends thereof.
- the base sheet is stretched in a direction transverse to the machine direction.
- the resulting polyethylene film has three layers, however, the resulting film can include more layers if additional tie layers are provided. In addition, the resulting film has improved optics and sealability properties.
- a multi-layer base sheet has a core layer with a first and a second side, a first skin layer coextensive with one of the sides of the core layer and a second skin layer coextensive with the other side of the core layer.
- the base sheet is oriented in the machine direction, then extrusion coated on at least one of its outer surfaces with a resin selected from LDPE, VLDPE, LLDPE and blends thereof, and finally, stretched in a direction transverse to the machine direction.
- the resulting polyethylene film has three layers, and improved optics and sealability properties.
- a multi-layer base sheet is provided and includes a core layer interposed between two tie layers wherein the first tie layer is interposed between the core layer and a first skin layer, and wherein the second tie layer is interposed between the core layer and the second skin layer.
- the tie layers are each coextensive with the core layer and the skin layers are each coextensive with their adjacent tie layer.
- the multi-layer base sheet is biaxially oriented in the machine direction, then at least one of the outer surfaces of the base sheet is extrusion coated with a resin selected from LDPE, NLDPE, LLDPE and blends thereof, and finally, the base sheet is oriented in a direction transverse to the machine direction.
- the present invention provides methods of preparing biaxially oriented polyethylene films with improved gloss and haze characteristics and sealability properties.
- the films also have excellent barrier, dead-fold and mechanical properties. These properties make these films an excellent alternative to blown HDPE films in which much thicker gauges are required.
- the present invention provides for methods of preparing biaxially oriented polyethylene films with improved optics and sealability properties.
- a multi-layer base sheet is provided wherein the base sheet has a core layer with a first and a second side, at least one skin layer coextensive to the core layer, and outer surfaces.
- the base sheet is first oriented in the machine direction, then at least one of the outer surfaces of the base sheet is extrusion coated with a resin selected from LDPE, VLPDE, LLDPE, and blends thereof, and finally, the base sheet is oriented in a direction transverse to the machine direction ("the transverse direction").
- the resulting film has improved haze and gloss, and good sealability properties.
- the core layer of the base sheet includes a polyethylene.
- the polyethylene is a HDPE.
- the amount of the polyethylene provided in the core layer prior to film preparation should be an amount sufficient to yield a core layer in the resulting film having a thickness of from 0.000635cm (0.25 mil) to 0.00762cm (3.0 mil), preferably 0.00127cm (0.5 mil) to 0.00508cm (2.0 mil).
- HDPE high density polyethylene
- M6211 0.958
- HD 7845.30 d-0.958
- the Melt Index (MI) of the HDPE useful according to the invention is in the range of from 0.1 to 10.
- Melt Index is expressed as g/10 min.
- the HDPE has a melt index in the range of from 0.3 to 1.5.
- Melt index is generally understood to be inversely related to viscosity, and decreases as molecular weight increases. Accordingly, higher molecular weight HDPE generally has a lower melt index.
- Methods for determining melt index are known in the art, e.g., ASTM D 1238.
- the skin layer includes a copolymer of polypropylene and ethylene wherein 85 to 99% of the skin layer includes propylene and 1 to 15% of the skin layer includes ethylene.
- propylene is 95 to 98% of the skin layer and ethylene is 2 to 5% of the skin layer.
- the thickness of the skin layer prior to film preparation is from 0.0000254cm (0.01 mil) to
- Polyethylene films prepared according to the present invention are biaxially oriented. Biaxial orientation is employed to evenly distribute the strength qualities of a film in the longitudinal or “machine direction” (MD) of the film and in the lateral or “transverse direction” (TD) of the film. Biaxial oriented films tend to be stiffer and stronger, and also exhibit much better resistance to flexing and folding forces, leading to greater utility and packaging applications.
- MD longitudinal or "machine direction”
- TD transverse direction
- Biaxial orientation can be conducted simultaneously in both directions, however, most biaxial orientation processes use apparatus which stretches the film sequentially, first in one direction and then in the other.
- a typical apparatus will stretch a film in the machine direction first and then in the transverse direction.
- the degree to which a film can be stretched is dependent upon factors including, for example, the polymer from which a film is made.
- the sheet is oriented sequentially, preferably being first stretched in the MD and then stretched in the TD.
- the cast material is typically heated (optionally including a pre-heating stage) to its orientation temperature and subjected to MD orientation between two sets of rolls, the second set rotating at a greater speed than the first by an amount effective to obtain the desired draw ratio.
- the monoaxially oriented sheet is oriented in the TD by heating (again optionally including pre-heating) the sheet as it is fed through an oven and subjected to transverse stretching in a tenter frame.
- Alternative stretching methods are possible, including employing apparatus capable of simultaneous stretching, or stretching sequentially first in the TD and then in the MD. It is known that these methods often suffer from serious technical limitations rendering them impractical or overly expensive.
- a film according to the present invention is made primarily from polyethylene and can be stretched to a relatively high degree.
- a film according to a method of the present invention is stretched in the machine direction to a degree of from 5: 1 to 8: 1 and in the transverse direction to a degree from 6: 1 to 15:1.
- the temperature at which a film is biaxially oriented (“stretch temperature”) can also influence the haze, gloss and sealability properties of the resulting film.
- the biaxial orientation processes of the present invention are performed using stretch temperatures in the range of from the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polyethylene to above the crystalline melting point (Tm) of the polyethylene. More specifically, orientation in the MD is conducted at from 93.3°C (200°F) to 160°C (320°F), more preferably from 110°C (230°F) to 146°C (295°F). Orientation in the TD is conducted at from 1 10°C (230°F) to 177°C (350°F), more preferably from 116°C (240°F) to 160°C (320°F).
- orientation temperature employed in a particular situation will generally depend upon the residence time of the base sheet and the size of the rolls. Apparatus temperature higher than the Tm of the polyethylene sheet can be appropriate if the residence time is short. The skilled artisan also understands that the temperatures involved in these processes are in relation to the measured or set temperatures of the equipment rather than the temperature of the polyethylene itself.
- the base sheet is extrusion coated with a resin selected from LDPE, VLDPE, LLDPE and blends thereof.
- the base sheet is extrusion coated on at least one of its outer surfaces with a sufficient amount of resin such that the resin accounts for 3 to 10 wt % of the prepared film.
- Extrusion coating the base sheet includes first treating the outside of the base sheet with corona discharge to promote adhesion between the base sheet and the extrusion coating layer.
- the resin to be coated on the base sheet is then extruded with an adjustable flat die and the coating extrudate is then cooled on a chill roll at an extrusion coating station.
- the base sheet is then applied to the coating extrudate through the chill roll.
- LDPE low density polyethylene
- MI ethylene-containing polymer having a density of 0.926 or lower and a MI of 7.
- VLDPE very low density polyethylene
- ethylene-based hexane copolymer having a density of from 0.890 to 0.915 and a MI of from 3 to 17.
- LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
- the base sheet can have a various number of layers providing for various structured polyethylene films to be prepared.
- One preferred method of the present invention provides for producing a film having at least a three layer structure.
- a multi-layer base sheet has a core layer, a skin layer and outer surfaces.
- the base sheet further includes at least one tie layer interposed between the core layer and the skin layer and coextensive with each of the core layer and the skin layer.
- the base sheet is first stretched in the machine direction. Then, at least one of the outer surfaces of the base sheet is extrusion coated with a resin selected from LDPE, VLDPE, LLDPE and blends thereof, and finally, the base sheet is stretched in the transverse direction.
- the resulting polyethylene film has three layers, however, the resulting film can include more layers if additional tie layers are provided. In addition, the resulting film has improved optics and sealability properties.
- a multi-layer base sheet has a core layer with a first and a second side, a first skin layer coextensive with one of the sides of the core layer and a second skin layer coextensive with the other side of the core layer.
- the base sheet is oriented in the machine direction, then extrusion coated on at least one of its outer surfaces with a resin selected from LDPE, VLDPE, LLDPE and blends thereof, and finally, stretched in the transverse direction.
- the resulting polyethylene film has three layers, and improved optics and sealability properties.
- a multi-layer base sheet is provided and includes a core layer interposed between two tie layers wherein the first tie layer is interposed between the core layer and a first skin layer, and wherein the second tie layer is interposed between the core layer and the second skin layer.
- the tie layers are each coextensive with the core layer and the skin layers are each coextensive with their adjacent tie layer.
- the multi-layer base sheet is biaxially oriented in the machine direction, then at least one of the outer surfaces of the base sheet is extrusion coated with a resin selected from LDPE, VLDPE, LLDPE and blends thereof, and finally, the base sheet is oriented in the transverse direction.
- Cavitating agents can be used with the methods of the present invention to generate voids (cavities) in the structure of the film.
- cavitating agents can be added into the tie or core layers of the multi-layer base sheet before orientation in the MD. It is believed that small inhomogeneities introduced into the base sheet by the cavitating agent result in points of weakness in the sheet. The biaxial orienting process then induces small tears in the polyethylene, causing cavitation in the resulting film.
- Suitable cavitating agents include, for example, calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), polystyrene, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), nylon 6, crosslinked polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
- Organic cavitating agents are generally less preferred due to their limited operating temperature range. However, such organic cavitants can be useful if they are extremely finely divided and are either resistant to melt at operating temperatures or produce a suitable inhomogeneity in the polyethylene material. Cavitating agents such as CaCo 3 , TiO 2 and polystyrene can be included in the core layer in an amount of from 5 wt% to 25 wt% of the core layer. Further, cavitating agents can be included using methods known in the art.
- the films prepared according to the methods of the present invention can be surface treated with conventional methods to improve wettability of the film and ink receptivity. Films can be further coated by known methods to modify barrier characteristics, provide heat seal properties and modify surface characteristics. The films can be modified by metallization to obtain a metal-like appearance and altered barrier characteristics.
- the films prepared according to the methods of the present invention are useful in numerous applications including food packaging and in particular, in food packaging where good sealability is desirable such as the packaging of cereal products, salty snacks and ice cream novelty.
- the films prepared according to the methods of the present invention also have improved optics which makes them advantageous for use in cigarette pack inner liners, as over wrap for butter, chocolate, candy, etc., and as twistwrap.
- TABLE 1 shows the structure of a base sheet prior to film preparation according to the present invention.
- TABLE 2 shows the structure of a film prepared according to the present invention and from the base sheet shown in TABLE 1.
- the top side of this base sheet is the air knife side and the bottom side of the base sheet is the caster side.
- the core layer of the base sheet includes HDPE and the skin layers include a copolymer of polypropylene and ethylene preferably including 90 to 98% of polypropylene and 2 to 10% of ethylene. Since the ethylene-polypropylene copolymer of the skin layers does not adhere well with the core layer of HDPE, tie layers of LDPE are interposed between the skin layers and the core layer to improve adhesion.
- top side of this film structure is the air knife side and the bottom side of the film structure is the caster side.
- the resulting film shown in TABLE 2 was prepared by first orienting the base sheet shown in TABLE 1 in the machine direction. Then, the outside of the base sheet was treated with corona discharge to promote adhesion between the base sheet and the extrusion coating layer. The resin to be coated on the base sheet was then extruded with an adjustable flat die and the coating extrudate was cooled on a chill roll at an extrusion coating station. The base sheet was then applied to the coating extrudate through the chill roll. Finally, the base sheet with coating layer was oriented in the transverse direction. The resulting film has improved optics and sealability properties.
- TABLE 3 shows the sealability properties of films prepared from the base sheet shown in TABLE 1 and having the resulting structure shown in TABLE 2.
- the films described TABLE 3 were prepared according to the method described following TABLE 2 in EXAMPLE 1.
- the core layers of the base sheets used to prepare Samples 1-5 included the high density polyethylene Equistar M6211 and the core layer of the base sheet used to prepare Sample 6 included the high density polyethylene Exxon HD7845.30.
- a coating was not applied to the base sheet used to prepare Sample 1 during its preparation, but the base sheets used to prepare Samples 2-6 were coated with a resin blend during their preparation.
- the base sheets used to prepare Samples 2-6 were coated with a resin including VLDPE and LDPE during their preparation.
- the LDPE used to prepare Samples 2-6 was Chevron PE 1017.
- the VLDPE used to prepare Samples 2, 3 and 6 was Exxon Exact SLP 9087 and the VLDPE used to prepare Samples 4 and 5 was Exxon Exact SLP 9088.
- Sample 1 A comparison of Sample 1 to Samples 2-6 clearly shows that biaxially oriented polyethylene films without extrusion coating, e.g. Sample 1, cannot be heat sealed under normal conditions.
- the Crimp Seal of Sample 1 was less than 5 g/2.54cm compared to the Crimp Seal values of extrusion coated Samples 2-6 which were all greater than 430 g/2.54cm. Therefore, Samples 2-6 illustrate that the present invention provides methods for preparing biaxially oriented polyethylene films with good sealability properties.
- the polyethylene films illustrated in TABLE 4 were prepared by extrusion coating a base sheet according to a method of the present invention and show improved haze, gloss and sealability properties.
- Samples 7 was prepared by orienting a base sheet in the machine direction and then orienting the base sheet in the transverse direction.
- Samples 8-10 were prepared by orienting a base sheet in the machine direction, then coating the base sheet with a LDPE, and finally, orienting the base sheet in the transverse direction.
- Samples 11-13 were prepared by coextrusion with LDPE prior to biaxial orientation. Samples 7-13 were all oriented in the machine direction at similar stretch temperatures and in the transverse direction at similar stretch temperatures.
- the base sheets used to prepare each of Samples 7-13 included a core layer of HDPE.
- each of the base sheets used to prepare Samples 7-14 included tie layers of HDPE.
- the skin layers of each of the base sheets used to prepare Samples 7-13 were not the same.
- the base sheet of Sample 7-10 included HDPE skin layers where as Samples 11-13 included LDPE skin layers.
- Samples 8-10 each of which included an extrusion coating layer, had higher gloss and lower haze than the film of Sample 7 which was not extrusion coated.
- Samples 8-10 each had good seal properties, both Askco and Crimp, compared to Sample 7, which was not sealable.
- Samples 11-13 which were coextruded with LDPE prior to biaxial orientation, also had good seal properties compared to Sample 7. Though Samples 11-13 each had better haze and gloss values than Sample 7, the haze values were still greater than 25% and the gloss was still less than 60%.
- the extrusion-coated films of Samples 8-10 included significantly lower haze values and gloss values. In comparing Samples 8-10 to Samples 11-13, it is readily apparent that the extrusion coated films of the present invention, Samples 8-10, are more desirable in the packaging industry.
- TABLE 5 illustrates the improved sealability properties of films prepared according to the methods of the present invention.
- the base sheets used to prepare Samples 14-23 were all oriented to the same degree during film preparation except for the base sheets used to prepare Samples 16 and 17 which were oriented to a higher degree in the machine direction compared to the base sheets used to prepare Samples 15 and 18-23.
- the base sheets used to prepare Samples 14-23 were all oriented at an MDO temperature of 127-135°C (260-275°F) and a TDO temperature of 153/127°C (307/260°F).
- each of Samples 14-23 included a core layer of a high density polyethylene. Further, the HDPE core layer of each of Samples 14-23 was coextruded with ethylene-polypropylene copolymer skins. Although, Samples 14-23 exhibit high gloss and low haze, without extrusion coating they are not sealable.
- Samples 18 and 20-23 were extrusion coated with a LDPE resin according to the present invention. As shown above by the Askco MST and the Askco Seal Max data, Samples 14-17 and 19 which were not extrusion coated during their preparation, were not sealable whereas Samples 18 and 20-23 which were extrusion coated with a LDPE resin, were sealable.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99960253A EP1156887A1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 1999-11-10 | Biaxially oriented polyethylene film with improved optics and sealability properties |
CA002353447A CA2353447A1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 1999-11-10 | Biaxially oriented polyethylene film with improved optics and sealability properties |
AU17164/00A AU763874B2 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 1999-11-10 | Biaxially oriented polyethylene film with improved optics and sealability properties |
BR9916809-0A BR9916809A (en) | 1998-12-23 | 1999-11-10 | Biaxially oriented polyethylene film with improved optical and sealability properties |
JP2000590786A JP2002533237A (en) | 1998-12-23 | 1999-11-10 | Biaxially oriented polyethylene film with improved optical properties and heat sealability properties |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/220,983 | 1998-12-23 | ||
US09/220,983 US6168826B1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 1998-12-23 | Biaxially oriented polyethylene film with improved optics and sealability properties |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000038843A1 true WO2000038843A1 (en) | 2000-07-06 |
Family
ID=22825850
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/026470 WO2000038843A1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 1999-11-10 | Biaxially oriented polyethylene film with improved optics and sealability properties |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6168826B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1156887A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002533237A (en) |
AU (1) | AU763874B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9916809A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2353447A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW443945B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000038843A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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WO2003095201A1 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2003-11-20 | Exxonmobil Corporation | Multi-layer heat sealable polyolefin film comprising skin layer and transition layer of differing melting points |
WO2015127073A1 (en) * | 2014-02-19 | 2015-08-27 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | High performance sealable co-extruded oriented film, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
WO2015195331A1 (en) * | 2014-06-18 | 2015-12-23 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Polyolefin based film with enhanced twist retention properties |
WO2017044342A1 (en) * | 2015-09-10 | 2017-03-16 | Dow Quimica Mexicana S.A.De C.V. | Multilayer films, and articles made therefrom |
US10486402B2 (en) | 2013-12-31 | 2019-11-26 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Multilayered films, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
US10589496B2 (en) | 2014-02-19 | 2020-03-17 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Multilayered polyolefin films, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
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US20040180162A1 (en) * | 2003-03-14 | 2004-09-16 | Gringoire Bruno R.L. | Reduced blocking metallized film |
US20060029824A1 (en) * | 2004-08-04 | 2006-02-09 | Gringoire Bruno R | Heat-sealable polymeric films |
US20060121259A1 (en) * | 2004-12-02 | 2006-06-08 | Williams David R | White polymeric film with improved machinability and reduced dusting |
US8142893B2 (en) * | 2005-05-31 | 2012-03-27 | Exxonmobil Oil Corporation | Polymeric films |
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US20070036909A1 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2007-02-15 | Shifang Luo | Processes for producing oriented polymeric films provided with UV-active coatings |
US7473439B2 (en) * | 2005-08-15 | 2009-01-06 | Exxonmobil Oil Corporation | Coated polymeric films and coating solutions for use with polymeric films |
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US20100137493A1 (en) * | 2008-12-03 | 2010-06-03 | Smart Planet Technologies, Inc. | High mineral content film for sealing |
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WO2018195681A1 (en) * | 2017-04-24 | 2018-11-01 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Multilayer structures, processes for manufacturing multilayer structures, and related articles |
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US20230026039A1 (en) | 2019-12-09 | 2023-01-26 | Exxonmobil Chemical Patents, Inc. | Machine Direction Oriented Polyethylene Films |
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WO2023076818A1 (en) | 2021-10-26 | 2023-05-04 | Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc. | Highly oriented linear low density polyethylene films with outstanding processability and mechanical properties |
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- 1999-11-10 CA CA002353447A patent/CA2353447A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-11-10 EP EP99960253A patent/EP1156887A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-11-10 WO PCT/US1999/026470 patent/WO2000038843A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-11-10 AU AU17164/00A patent/AU763874B2/en not_active Ceased
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Cited By (10)
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US10486402B2 (en) | 2013-12-31 | 2019-11-26 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Multilayered films, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
WO2015127073A1 (en) * | 2014-02-19 | 2015-08-27 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | High performance sealable co-extruded oriented film, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
US10538057B2 (en) | 2014-02-19 | 2020-01-21 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | High performance sealable co-extruded oriented film, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
US10589496B2 (en) | 2014-02-19 | 2020-03-17 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Multilayered polyolefin films, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU763874B2 (en) | 2003-07-31 |
BR9916809A (en) | 2001-11-06 |
US6168826B1 (en) | 2001-01-02 |
CA2353447A1 (en) | 2000-07-06 |
TW443945B (en) | 2001-07-01 |
EP1156887A1 (en) | 2001-11-28 |
JP2002533237A (en) | 2002-10-08 |
AU1716400A (en) | 2000-07-31 |
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