A recently introduced nucleating agent that nucleates polyethylene has successfully expanded the range of benefits and options in films and packaging. Milliken's Hyperform HPN-20E that has received food contact notification (FCN), covers Conditions A-H, allowing broad usage across a range of food contact applications in polyolefins and is opening up new options for customers in the polyethylene (PE) industry. The nucleating agent delivers optical improvements, enhanced moisture barrier, improved clarity, physical properties, and barrier and seal performance and improved mechanical properties for polyethylene resins.
Target applications for Hyperform HPN-20E nucleating agent include monolayer and co extruded film for food packaging, agricultural applications and overwrap films. Early focus has been in the area of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) resins where optical enhancement is vital for shelf appeal. Traditionally this has been achieved through blending low density PE (LDPE) into LLDPE. Unfortunately, this can result in reduction of tear and impact strength of the resultant film. Nucleating LLDPE with HPN-20E can enhance optics without detriment to tear and impact, offering film producers a new and novel option for packaging film constructions. Some improvement in performance has been seen in polyethylene film hot-tack that can potentially speed up vertical form, fill and seal lines (VFFS). It also permits potential down-gauging by enhancing stiffness and eliminating much of the reduction in tear and impact performance associated with LDPE blending. This presents potential new ways for cost effective film constructions.
12-Mar-07 
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