Effects of Degradable Additives On Blown Film Properties

Abstract

Polyethylene resins are used in a variety of film packaging applications from food wrap to industrial liners and trash bags. Recent environmental concerns raised by the general populous of North America and increased legislation with re gards to the environment have created a demand for degradable packaging materials. At present, there are a number of companies marketing degradable products for use in polyethylene packaging [1]. As a result of this growing demand, numerous questions have been raised on the effect of degradable additives on properties of films manufactured from polyethylene resins. This evaluation focuses on the effect of using three commercially available additives, one biodegradable and two photo degradable, on polyethylene blown film properties Although degradable additives may offer the film manufacturer a degradable prod uct, this evaluation has demonstrated that the type of degradable additive used may significantly affect physical and optical properties. Biodegradable additives appear to significantly impair physical and optical properties While photodegradable additives do not appear to impair film physical properties, a photodegradable additive may im part color changes to natural polyethylene film. Data is presented which will assist the film manufacturer in assessing the effect of degradable additives on film product performance