Dow introduces non-migrating silicone additive for BOPP film

Dow Performance Silicones, a global business unit of DowDuPont Materials Sciences division, launched at Fakuma 2017 a new Dow Corning® HMB-6301 Masterbatch, a unique, patent-pending solution based on heritage Dow Corning silicone technology platform that delivers stable, long-term slip performance without migration to facilitate packaging production processing of bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film. This advanced silicone-based technology addresses key drawbacks of standard slip agents, including continuous migration from the film surface and degradation over time and under elevated temperatures. Dow Corning HMB-6301 Masterbatch can benefit BOPP film converters and processors by lowering the coefficient of friction (COF) to optimize packaging production efficiencies, and by enabling superior printing and metallization for high-quality, attractive packaging.

"Friction is a recurring problem in packaging production using BOPP film (for example, form-fill-seal operations) because it can negatively affect the film's appearance, cause deformations and even rupture, which interrupts throughput," said Christophe Paulo, global segment leader, Dow Performance Silicones. "New Dow Corning HMB-6301 Masterbatch not only addresses these issues, but can free customers from storage time and temperature constraints and relieve worries about additive migration, enabling them to maximize quality, consistency and productivity."

Fresh Approach to a Classic Challenge

Organic waxes, such as erucamide, have been widely used in BOPP film for packaging manufacturing because of their effective slip performance. However, these waxes readily and continuously migrate from the film surface. This migration can affect the appearance and quality of packaging materials by increasing the haze level of clear film. It can also negatively impact downstream operations such as printing when the additive transfers from the slip-treated face to the corona-treated face during film winding and storage. Other drawbacks include sensitivity to elevated temperatures, and degradation of slip performance over time.

Unlike other slip additives, Dow Corning HMB-6301 Masterbatch is added only to the outer layer of BOPP film. Because it is non-migrating, there is no transfer from the silicone-treated face to the corona-treated face. By avoiding impact on surface tension of the corona-treated face, the solution preserves the effectiveness of printing and metallization. The Dow technology is also stable over time and temperature, so its excellent slip properties are permanent. Further, the additive will not bloom or significantly affect the optical properties of transparent film.

Dow Corning HMB-6301 Masterbatch is engineered for BOPP and PP cast films used mainly in food bags, wrappers, packages and pouches, with European Union food contact compliance and U.S. FDA food contact approval in process. It is suitable for both sequential and simultaneous stretching lines. The material is supplied in easy-to-handle, free-flowing pellets and is available globally.