At Chinaplas 2016, Dow Corning has launched its new silicone masterbatch designed to reduce the coefficient of friction (COF) in high-speed form-fill-seal (FFS) packaging operations
Dow Corning said that its MB25-035 Masterbatch was developed as an alternative to organic additives, whose slip performance is known to degrade over time and at elevated temperatures.
Used as a slip additive for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) blown film, Dow Corning MB25-035 Masterbatch needs to be incorporated in the outside layer of the film, unlike organics that are used in all layers, according to the company.
Christophe Paulo, global segment leader, plastics and composites for Dow Corning, said: “Dow Corning has taken the lead in developing a next-generation slip technology to help manufacturers around the world address the demands and stresses of high-speed, high-volume FFS processing.
“Our new MB25-035 Masterbatch offers superior performance – from smooth dosing to extended slip performance to the elimination of troublesome build-up – enabling our customers to optimise their productivity and avoid the interruptions commonly caused by competitive products, particularly organics.”
The MB25-035 Masterbatch’s formulation prevents the migration of the slip additive between film surfaces during rolling and storage.
Dow Corning also said that its new product does not exhibit stickiness and enables smooth feeding into the extruder. Further, it does not build up on extrusion dies or deposit gels on the film surface.
The MB25-035 Masterbatch is compliant with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union (EU) 10-2011 food contact requirements and is being exhibited at Chinaplas on stand #N3Q41.
Chinaplas 2016 runs April 25-28 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai, China.