Ticona has introduced a second generation cyclo olefin copolymer (COC) with a broader processing window than prior grades, enabling processors to run it on their standard extrusion lines without any equipment modification. This opens up an application for COCs in multi layer blown films. The new Topas 8007F-400 is an excellent choice for multilayer films in which it may be used in discrete or COC-rich layers. In blown films, it can be used in applications such as pouches, flow-pack, lidding and twist wrap. Twist wrap film manufacturer will benefit from this new grade of cyclo olefin copolymer.

This COC not only gives blown film producers greater processing flexibility, but also the ability to make highly transparent films that are practically free of gels. It runs well on a wide range of blown film technologies, as well as on more challenging lines that involve small-scale extruders or extruders with grooved feed zones. Whatever the machinery or equipment, COC film quality and robustness has significantly improved in all cases. Topas 8007F-400 is a clear cyclo olefin copolymer that adheres well to polyolefins, especially linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), can be metallised and coloured easily, and has an inherent moisture barrier that can extend product shelf life. It also has good thermoforming characteristics, a modulus of 2,500 MPa and a glass transition temperature of 80°C. This new grade when used in a multilayer blown film for twist wrap applications provides excellent stiffness, twist retention and dead fold. Unlike Cellophane, it does not need a moisture barrier coating and offer overall cost benefits.

Compared to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it stretches less in wrapping, does not yellow at the twist and has no environmental issues. And, versus oriented high-density polyethylene (HDPE), it has better dead fold, is cut easier, and does not require changes in wrapping equipment. Topas COC complies with U.S. and EU food contact regulations. It is used in many types of packaging, including flexible films for food, pharmaceutical blisters, medical overwrap, shrink film, and medical bottles, vials and syringes. COC demonstrates outstanding clarity, a very high moisture barrier, excellent purity and good processability, making it an excellent material alternative for glass or clear PP, particularly when high clarity is required.

Ticona has also introduced two iproved Optical Grades of Topas® COC for injection molded lenses and other optical components. The new grades, Topas TKX-0001 and 5010L-01 COC have the following feature:
Excellent clarity and transparency
Flow well in molding
Precision in replicating small features
Dimensionally stable as humidity changes as water absorption is just 0.01%.

Topas TKX-0001 COC is designed for such uses as printer f-theta lenses, telephone camera lenses and light guide plates. It has a heat deflection temperature of 127°C, a glass transition temperature of 140°C and releases well from the mold. It can also be used in many thin-walled injection molding applications that need high flow and good release properties.

Topas 5010L-01 COC has a heat deflection temperature of 95°C and a glass transition temperature of 110°C. It offers excellent processing freedom and can be injection molded at a much lower temperature than Topas TKX-0001 COC. It also has higher melt flow, so it fills larger and more complex components. It can find application in large light guide plates and large diffusion plates, such as those found in LCD televisions, notebook computers and other displays.

The properties that make these two grades suitable for optical applications, also position them for a variety of medical, diagnostic and drug discovery devices, particularly for microtiter plates having a high well density and microfluidic devices that call for molding small features precisely.