Viton FreeFlow General Brochure

For unbeatable performancethe easy choiceis Viton® FreeFlow™2Sometimes it is the little details that contribute themost to success, like polymer process aids (PPAs). In a typical resin formulation, adding less than onepart per thousand of Viton® FreeFlow™ eliminatesmelt fracture in blown films and reduces die build-up in extrusions. By rapidly coating internal diesurfaces, Viton® FreeFlow™ leads to fast transitions,reduced scrap and higher production output ; all ofwhich improves profits for your business. Viton® FreeFlow™ – the easy choiceDuPont Performance Elastomers, a leader in processaid technologies for over 40 years, offers a family ofViton® FreeFlow™ products engineered to improve yourproduct quality and boost manufacturing efficienciesby increasing production yields and reducingdowntime. The processing advantages of Viton®FreeFlow™ at every step in the value chain makes yourchoice of PPAs an easy one. From extrusion pelletizingof resins and masterbatches to the extrusion of finishedproducts, Viton® FreeFlow™ delivers superior results.Universally excellent performanceViton® FreeFlow™ process aids work with mostpolyolefin resins and compounds, from linear low-density (LLDPE) to high-density (HDPE) polyethyleneresins, polypropylene and metallocene technologyresins. Viton® FreeFlow™ can also be used with otherpolymers including PS, SEBS and ABS to boostquality and production.Viton® FreeFlow™ has a strong history of adding valueby solving many processing and product needs :• In research conducted by DuPont PerformanceElastomers, PE resins containing Viton® FreeFlow™were processed with a 25ºC lower melt temperaturewhile using the same die pressure. This translates intohigher melt strength and faster cooling for bettergauge control, greater output, and lower haze.• Other research has shown significant improvementsin product appearance (smoother, higher-gloss finish)and mechanical strength (tear, dart impact) derivedfrom the use of Viton® FreeFlow™.Viton® FreeFlow™ delivers processing advantages from formulation to ?nished productREDUCE SCRAPINCREASE THROUGHPUT DECREASE DOWNTIMEWithout Viton® FreeFlow™ process aidLess than one part/thousand radically increasesyieldsWith Viton® FreeFlow™ process aidViton® FreeFlow™ eliminates melt fracture in blown filmA little bit adds a lot of value3Film, fibers and extruded shapesIn blown film applications, Viton® FreeFlow™ prevents“sharkskin” melt fracture, leading to smooth, clearfilm with a high-gloss finish. Combine that withimproved production rates, simpler transitions andreduced yield loss, and the result is higher qualityfilm at a lower cost.For extruded shapes, such as tubing, cable jacketing,pipe, and profiles, Viton® FreeFlow™ helps keep the dieface clean by reducing die build-up. A cleaner diereduces the potential for product scrap or re-workcaused by die lines, and lengthens intervals betweendowntime for die maintenance. Smoother extrusionconditions lead to higher throughput and improvedsurface finish on extruded products. In the production of fibers and monofilaments,Viton® FreeFlow™ reduces die build-up and theresulting strand breakage. Improved throughput,faster winding speeds, and less downtime leaddirectly to higher yields and profitability.How Viton® FreeFlow™ worksViton® FreeFlow™ PPAs speed and smooth theextrusion process by coating the inside of the diewith a microscopically thin, non-stick film. Thisslippery coating reduces friction at the resin/dieinterface and allows the extrusion to flow freely andmore rapidly through the die opening.Its non-stick properties prevent the accumulation ofresin particles at the die exit, eliminating the majorcause of die build-up and reducing the downtimerequired for cleaning.With the PPA added to the resin melt stream, theslippery coating on the die surface is continuouslyrenewed and replenished during the extrusion process.Without Viton® FreeFlow™ process aidWith Viton® FreeFlow™ process aidDie pressure measured on blown film line at equal extrusion ratesReduces die build-up for cleaner,easier operations353025201510HDPE (uni-modal)mLLDPE HDPE (bi-modal)LLDPEwith PPAwithout PPADie Pressure (MPa)Viton® FreeFlow™ reduces die pressure in a wide range of polyolefin resins4Choose exceptional efficiency and performance Viton® FreeFlow™ Z Technology™ is the first break-through process aid technology to be introduced tothe plastics industry since the 1980s and represents aninnovation in process additives. Viton® FreeFlow™ ZTechnology™ products use unique fluoroelastomer andproprietary technologies to create a process aid thatcontacts and coats the die surface more efficiently thanother products on the market today. Better performance for your business successViton® FreeFlow™ Z Technology™ PPAs work with someof the most demanding and challenging resins undera broad range of processing conditions and formula-tions. They will dramatically improve your business.Viton® FreeFlow™ Z is the answer for manufacturers whohave resisted using next-generation resins because of processing difficulties. It enables you to push the manufacturing envelope to higher temperatures tomaximize your output. It offers more consistentperformance over a broader range of processingconditions, and fewer negative interactions with otheradditives in the resin or compound. Viton® FreeFlow™ Z products reduce olfactory effectsduring processing and in final products, and are moreresistant to discoloration caused by thermal breakdownat higher processing temperatures. Both of these arecritical benefits when making high-quality products forsensitive applications such as medical and food contactfilms and packaging.The advantages delivered by Viton® FreeFlow™ make the choice of PPAs a simple one. From resin producer, toconverter, to end-user, Viton® FreeFlow™ Z Technology™delivers exceptional performance benefits.Viton® FreeFlow™ Z Technology™the next generationin process aid technology8070605040302010Time to clear melt fracture (min)Process aid level (ppm)1400120010008006004002000Z200Z200 with 5000 ppm SilicaFE-PEG Blend with 5000 ppm Silica Competitive FE-PEGTime to clear melt fracture on blown LLDPE film as a function of PPA level, type, and silica (DE) antiblock levelViton® FreeFlow™ Z Technology™ products resist aggressive additives like antiblock better than conventional process aids120100806040200Clarity%Haze%MDTear/10CDTear/1045Gloss20GlossRTDart/10600 ppm PPA in 0.5 mlethylene-octene LLDPEZ200 Competitive FE-PEGViton® FreeFlow™ Z Technology™can improve film properties5Viton® FreeFlow™ Z100 familyThe Viton® FreeFlow™ Z100 family is designed with aconventional interfacial agent, polyethylene glycol(PEG), at lower levels than other fluoroelastomer PPAs.This technology offers improved performance and thefollowing benefits :• reduces the potential for olfactory effects in thefinal product• reduces screw slippage in extruders, which can becaused by excessive PEG• reduces discoloration and breakdown from thermallyor oxidatively unstable components• reduces the potential for negative interactions with other film additives such as antiblock, HALs,and antioxidantsViton® FreeFlow™ Z200 familyThe Viton® FreeFlow™ Z200 family is designed with aunique interfacial agent, polycaprolactone (PCL), thatoffers superior performance characteristics. Thisinnovative technology offers best-in-class performancewith the following benefits :• no potential for olfactory effects or discoloration inthe final product• virtually eliminates screw slippage, leading to moreuniform dosing and higher production rates• more thermally and oxidatively stable than PEGproducts, allowing processing at higher temperatures• no negative interactions with other film additivessuch as antiblock, HALs, UV stabilizers, andantioxidants • delivers the ultimate process aid performance andvalue in most casesViton® FreeFlow™ Z Technology™one technology with two product familiesINCREASED PRODUCTIVITY ROBUST PERFORMANCE IMPROVED EFFICIENCY10090807060504030Normalized weight (%)Temperature (deg°C)350300250200Z100 Z200 Competitive FE-PEGThermogravimetric analysis,10 c/m in heating rate, in airChange in sample weight as a function of temperatureZ200 at 150 ppm, 30 minutes after introducingPPACompetitive FE-PEG at 300 ppm, 30 minutes after introducing PPAViton® FreeFlow™ Z Technology™ products resist degradation at high temperature better than competitive FE-PEG blendsIn addition to reduced melt fracture and die build-upfor polyolefin processing, significant improvementsin processing with Viton® FreeFlow™ include :• lower operating costs• increased output• improved gauge control and cooling efficiency• more efficiency and better physical properties• increased melt strength• improved bubble stability• reduced need for blendingSafe to handle, safe for food contactViton® FreeFlow™ PPAs are stable at standard formu-lation and processing temperatures. Most Viton®FreeFlow™ products meet US FDA, European, Canadianand Japanese food requirements for use as an extrusion aid in manufacturing extruded polyolefinsfor food contact applications. For food contact statusof specific Viton® FreeFlow™ products, please contactDuPont Performance Elastomers.Viton® FreeFlow™ meets thespeci?c challengesof your applicationElimination of Increased Reduced Elimination of Improved Lower Faster melt fracture output cost die build-up surface temperature cycle timeApplicationsFilm extrusion • • • • • •Wire and cable • • • • • •Blow molding • • • • • • •Pipe and tubing • • • • • •Fiber spinning • • •Extrusion coating • •Extruded foam • • •Benefits of Viton® FreeFlow™ for polyolefin processing6Technical supportDuPont Performance Elastomers is committed to being a good business supplier.DuPont Performance Elastomers has the technology, the experience and the desireto help you understand how to use Viton® FreeFlow™ products and how best toadapt the technology for your processes and products. Talk with our technical andcustomer support consultants to help gain a competitive edge, grow your businessand be more profitable when working with polymer process aids.The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and is based on technical data that DuPont Performance Elastomers believes to be reliable. It is intended foruse by persons having technical skill, at their own discretion and risk. Handling precaution information is given with the understanding that those using it will satisfythemselves that their particular conditions of use present no health or safety hazards. Since conditions of product use and disposal are outside our control, we make nowarranties, express or implied, and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. As with any material, evaluation of any compound under end-useconditions prior to specification is essential. Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate or a recommendation to infringe on patents. While the informationpresented here is accurate at the time of publication, specifications can change. Check www.dupontelastomers.com for the most up-to-date information.Caution: Do not use in medical applications involving permanent implantation in the human body. For other medical applications, discuss with your DuPont Performance Elastomerscustomer service representative and read Medical Caution Statement H-69237.DuPont™ is a trademark of DuPont and its affiliates. Viton®, Viton® FreeFlow™and Viton® FreeFlow™Z Technology™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont Performance Elastomers.Copyright © 2006 DuPont Performance Elastomers. All rights reserved.(05/06) Printed in USA.Reorder no: VFS-A10511-00-A0506For further information please contact one of the offices below, or visitour website at www.dupontelastomers.com/vitonffGlobal Headquarters – Wilmington, DE USATel. +1 800 853 5515+1 302 792 4000Fax +1 302 792 4450South & Central America Headquarters – BrazilTel. +55 11 4166 8978Fax +55 11 4166 8989Japan Headquarters – TokyoTel. +81 3 6402 6300Fax +81 3 6402 6301European Headquarters – GenevaTel. +41 22 717 4000Fax +41 22 717 4001Asia Pacific Headquarters – SingaporeTel. +65 6275 9383Fax +65 6275 9395