Propylene-ethylene TPEs for stretch & cling film.

Two film rosins that boast significant performance and processability improvements are the latest additions to the Versify family of propylene-ethylene TPEs launched last year by Dow Plastics, Specialty Plastics & Elastomers, Midland, Mich. Versify resins are produced with new Insight "pest-metallocene" catalysts and Dow's solution process. The novel catalyst technology reportedly incorporates higher levels of ethylene and results in property combinations not seen in typical Ziegler-Natta or metallocene-based propylene copolymers.

Recent customer trials reportedly show that Versify 2300 and 3300 films have an excellent balance of stiffness and elasticity, outstanding tear and puncture resistance, and easier processing. Grade 2300 is optimized for blown stretch-hood film. It reportedly provides excellent elasticity and good holding force that allows the film to better follow the contour of packaged goods and improves stability of full pallet loads. It also boasts "best-in-class" tear resistance with considerably reduced wrinkling and "ear" formation. Dow says it is also well suited to a wide range of calendering and extrusion applications and as a blend component for TPEs.

Versify 3300 is designed for stretch cling and elastic films and for blending in TPEs and TPOs. It is also said to be particularly well suited to cast stretch-film sealants. It boasts higher unstretched cling levels and can be used typically at 5% to 10% levels in blends, compared with 30% to 40% for VLDPE. It also produces film that runs efficiently on wrapping machines in both hot and cold conditions. Tests show it retains cling after three months. Tel: [phone] * PT Direct 983XZ