Ticona launches next-generation COC for multilayer films
blown film producers greater processing flexibility and the ability
to make highly transparent films that are practically free of gels.
The company claims that 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.
"Our new grade is a next-generation COC that has a much broader processing window than prior grades so processors can run it on their standard extrusion lines without any equipment modification," said Bernd Sparenberg, global marketing manager, Topas Packaging.
"It runs well across a wide range of blown film technologies, including on more challenging lines that involve small-scale extruders or extruders with grooved feed zones. In all cases, it has significantly improved COC film quality and robustness.
"Anyone looking for a film with an upscale look and feel should consider this Topas COC grade given its ability to deliver clarity, moisture barrier and stiffness at an attractive price."
One of the first companies to make use of this second-generation Topas resin in blown films is Nordenia in Gronau, Germany. According to Matthias Perick at Nordenia, the wider processing window of the new Topas grade was a key factor for the successful scale-up on the firm's blown-film equipment.
Topas 8007F-400 is a clear cycloolefin copolymer that adheres well to polyolefins, especially linear low-density polyethylene, 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.
Ticona claims that when used in a multilayer blown film for twist wrap applications, it provides excellent stiffness, twist retention and dead fold. Unlike Cellophane, they do not need a moisture barrier coating and offer overall cost benefits.
Compared to polyvinyl chloride, they stretch less in wrapping, do not yellow at the twist, pose no environmental issues, and lack a plasticiser. And, versus oriented high-density polyethylene, they have better dead fold, cut easier, and do not require changes in wrapping equipment.
Topas COC complies with US and EU food contact regulations. Ticona Technical Polymers is one of the businesses of Celanese Corporation. Ticona produces and markets a broad range of engineering polymers and achieved sales of €675 million in 2003.
Ticona has approximately 2,000 employees at production, compounding and research facilities in the USA, Germany and Brazil.
