3M has invested in laboratory equipment to evaluate advanced high performance multilayer films for its customers.
The three layer co-extrusion blown film line was installed by 3M Benelux after monitoring market trends that are moving towards optically clear multilayer film architecture for applications such as food packaging.
These films may be blown or cast, but problems can occur in the production process as a result of different combinations of polymers and layer with different rheological characteristics. The films offer a range of benefits, such as improved barrier properties, adhesion, mechanical properties and cost reduction, but if the layers meet at the die at conflicting rates, the resulting interfacial instability can disrupt the optical clarity of a film – a key criteria for some food packaging applications, for example, meat and poultry barrier films.
St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M says its Dynamar polymer processing additives can provide a solution to these problems and improve the surface properties of multilayer films. In addition to these benefits, a resulting pressure reduction in the production process facilitates increased output and cost savings.
3M's technical experts are currently using the laboratory co-extrusion blown film line to study the performance of the Dynamar polymer processing additives under different conditions. This enables them to determine the appropriate concentration and method of application based on the customer's formulation before moving to full-scale production.
