Vistamaxx propylene-based elastomers for improved product quality and production efficiencies for PP raffia tape

key points
Improves tenacity Higher elongation Less tape breakage with higher filler loading Cost reduction opportunities
Vistamaxx propylene-based elastomers provide an exceptional opportunity for producers of polypropylene (PP) raffia tape to improve overall production quality by enhancing the two properties, elongation and tenacity, that are critical in its manufacture. Acting as a modifier, Vistamaxx adds value to PP raffia tape because it delivers less tape breakage. Vistamaxx AFMB (anti-fibrillating masterbatch) helps to improve the elongation of the tape. Today, manufacturers of PP raffia tapes are looking for added-value materials that enable downgauging and to produce lower denier tapes/fabrics while maintaining or improving the tenacity. This creates opportunities to reduce cost and lower tape breakage while manufacturing at faster line speeds and improving output. Vistamaxx can deliver improvements in these key areas primarily because it offers enhanced tenacity and elongation compared to incumbent PP homo-polymers which have limited ability to stretch. Because of the inherent elongation property of Vistamaxx, tapes in which it is used can be stretched more, yielding higher tenacity.
Figure 1: Tenacity versus stretch ratio
Data from ExxonMobil Chemical

110% Normalized Denier and Tenacity

105%

100%

95%

90%

85% 100%

105% 110% Normalized Stretch Ratio

Denier Tenacity

115%

Figure 2: Mechanism to achieve higher tenacity with Vistamaxx

Data from ExxonMobil Chemical

Vistamaxx propylene-based elastomers in raffia tape manufacturing

When Vistamaxx is blended with homo-polypropylene (HPP), the elongation of the raffia tape is improved(1). Tapes can be stretched more in the hot air oven which increases the orientation of the tape resulting in higher tenacity(2). The higher tenacity enables customers to downgauge the denier, producing a lighter fabric with the same or higher strength. Higher elongation and COF of the overall fabric helps to improve the burst strength and stackability of the end-use application, such as woven bags. This is important when they are palletized. Higher elongation also enables the customer to increase the content of AFMB in tapes.

5.5

5.0

Tenacity (g/denier)

(2) (1)

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0 10 12 14 16 18 20 22

Elongation (%)
Reference + 5% Vistamaxx 6102, same stretch ratio + 5% Vistamaxx 6102, higher stretch ratio

Figure 3: Tape tensile versus stretch ratio

150%
Data from ExxonMobil Chemical

Improved AFMB
Manufacturers are also looking to use higher percentages of AFMB to reduce cost, even though this can lower elongation, leading to increased tape breakage. This occurs because conventional AFMB is based on C4LLDPE which is not compatible with PP. Vistamaxx, on the other hand, is highly compatible with PP, and so Vistamaxx AFMB helps maintain the elongation, tenacity and strength while reducing tape breakage.

Normalized Tensile Strength

140%

130%

120% 110%

100% 100%

105%

110%

115%

120%

125%

130%

135%

Normalized Stretch Ratio

Vistamaxx in AFMB
When Vistamaxx is used in AFMB it: Complements the properties of the tape rather than being just a filler carrier
Data from ExxonMobil Chemical

Figure 4: Addition of Vistamaxx increases percentage of AFMB (filler)

6,0 5,5 5,0 4,5 4,0 3,5 3,0
Reference, 7% AFMB at SR = 6 5% Vistamaxx 6102, 10% AFMB at SR = 6.9 5% Vistamaxx 6102, 15% AFMB at SR = 6.9 5% Vistamaxx 6102, 15% AFMB at SR = 7.4 Reference, 4% AFMB at SR = 6 5% Vistamaxx 6102, 4% AFMB at SR = 7.5 5% Vistamaxx 6102, 8% AFMB at SR = 7 5% Vistamaxx 6102, 12% AFMB at SR = 7

Tenacity (g/denier)

Allows more dosage of filler compared with conventional AFMB, helping to maintain tenacity Eliminates the need for lubricants and PE waxes Increases the dosage of AFMB for non critical applications, thus reducing the cost of the fabric and helping to reduce the tape breakage during manufacturing Improves elongation in the tape making process

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Printed in Belgium December 2009 Ref.: S1209-922E32