Polyethylene film grades

The majority of polyethylene (PE) is used in film. Typical applications in the packaging industry are food packaging, grocery sacks and stretch wrap films. Non-packaging applications are domestic trash can liners and in agricultural applications. All kind of polyethylenes are used in film. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is still dominat in the agriculture industry as well as in many packaging applications. Nonetheless linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) as well as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are gaining market share due to favorable stiffness, toughness or impact and puncture resistance.

Stabilization of LLDPE and HDPE blown film and cast film

Typically PE films, based on LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE, are produced by employing the blown film technology. The PE melt is extruded at 190-240°C through a circular die and blown to a bubble.

For applications with the highest demands of film transparency, cast films are produced at temperatures up to  290°C by extruding LLDPE through a flat die cooling down on a chill roll. To ensure high productivity in combination with excellent film properties, optimized processing stability is required making superior stabilization essential to minimize gel formation and discoloration.

To meet the requirements on LLDPE/HDPE blown and cast film grades, Ciba offers synergistic antioxidant blends: Ciba® IRGANOX® B 561 or Ciba® IRGANOX® B 900 are recommended as general solutions. Blends of Ciba® IRGANOX® 1076, Ciba® IRGAFOS® 12 and Ciba® IRGAFOS® 38 or Ciba® IRGAFOS® P-EPQ are recommended for color-critical applications.

LDPE film

LDPE provides inherently high stability against thermal degradation and crosslinking. This is due to the radical polymerization process and consequently the absence of active, solid catalyst residues. Although LDPE normally requires only minimum stabilization against thermal oxidation, in some high pressure processes and for demanding applications Ciba® IRGANOX® 1076 or Ciba® IRGANOX® E 201 provide superior color performance and low gel levels.

Light stabilizers and effect additives for PE film

For outdoor applications such as mulch films in the agricultural industry, where light and weather stability is required, Ciba offers a broad range of hindered amine light stabilizers and UV absorbers. In addition, Ciba offers a wide range of effect additives for PE film applications. The Ciba® ATMER™ product range includes a variety of antistatic and antifogging agents. Ciba® IRGASTAT® is a permanent antistatic agent suitable for special industrial packaging applications. The Ciba® IRGAGUARD® range is a full family of antimicrobials which can provide further value to polyethylene in film applications.

To incorporate additives efficiently, we offer Customer Specific Blends in various product forms. For more information, please contact us.