Balancing Properties and Processing in the Polyolefins Film Industry

At DuPont Performance Elastomers, we've discovered "the clear choice" for producing high-clarity films, with improved processability, higher output and reduced die build-up. Designed to eliminate melt fracture and improve processability, Viton® FreeFlow™ performs equally well in a variety of resins and blends. The new family of "Z" products significantly outperforms conventional process aids.

Whether you're a resin designer, compounder or converter, Viton® FreeFlow™ opens the door to new possibilities in processing linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and metallocene resins. You'll find that Viton® FreeFlow™ provides added insurance against poor quality films and processing problems with improved performance and processability. Defect-free film translates directly to your bottom line.

With Viton® FreeFlow™, the film is fracture-free Without Viton® FreeFlow™, the film is melt fractured Blown films made with and without Viton® FreeFlow™ additives are compared in the photos on either side. The film made from resin containing the fluoropolymer additive is transparent and fracture-free, while sharkskin melt fracture has caused the other film to become mottled and translucent.

The Viton® FreeFlow™ Advantage: How It Works

The new Viton® additives speed and smooth the extrusion process by coating the inside of the die with a microscopically thin, non-stick film (much like the Teflon on a frying pan). This slippery coating reduces friction at the resin/die interface and allows the extrusion to flow freely and more rapidly through the die opening. Its non-stick properties also prevent the accumulation of resin particles at the die exit, eliminating the major cause of die build-up. The slippery film on the die surface is continuously renewed by the additive throughout the extrusion process.

With Viton® FreeFlow™ process aid, reduced die buildup. Without Viton® FreeFlow™ process aid, increased die buildup.

Specify Viton® FreeFlow™ in Powder or Pellet Form

Viton® FreeFlow™ additives are supplied in granular powder form packaged in standard 25-kg sacks. If your feeding systems require pellets or other packaging options, contact your DuPont Performance Elastomers representative.