3M™ PPA Application Engineers want to hear about what you’re working on. If you’ve got challenges related to processing extruded materials, we want to help. For information, advice and collaboration, contact a 3M Technical Specialist.
Specialty additives help improve processing, reduce waste and improve surface quality of extruded polymer products.
3M™ Dynamar™ Polymer Processing Additives have helped manufacturers improve both quality and output for a variety of extruded products – from the plastic bottles and bags in your cupboard to construction materials like pipe, cable and even artificial grass. Dynamar PPAs are effective at low use levels (100–1000 ppm), so just a small amount can reduce common processing issues like die build-up and melt fracture. That results in better surface quality, less waste, increased productivity, and a smoother extrusion process from start to finish.
Dynamar PPAs have been widely used in blown and cast film processes, pipe and sheet extrusion, cable, fiber and monofilament extrusion, blow molding and compounding. They work by creating a low surface energy coating on the die surface. This allows the melt to slip through the die more freely and more easily, without sticking.
See some of the many ways you could benefit from the use of Dynamar PPAs:
• Reduce or eliminate melt fracture
• Reduce die build-up
• Improve processing of high viscosity polymers
• Reduce gel formation
• Reduce interfacial instability in multilayer films
• Improve color changeover
• Improve gloss and surface smoothness
Often called “sharkskin,” melt fracture can be a real sticking point in the extrusion process. This surface defect occurs when the polymer sticks to the die wall rather than sliding smoothly through the die. It not only limits throughput, but also detracts from the smoothness and appearance of extruded plastic films.
While increasing the die gap can help minimize melt fracture by reducing shear, narrow die gaps are often more desirable, as they provide improved bidirectional film properties, gauge control, bubble stability and optics. Dynamar PPAs can reduce or eliminate melt fracture even at extremely low use levels and in narrow die configurations.
During extrusion, waxy deposits known as die build-up can accumulate on the die surface. This can disrupt productivity and cause visible surface irregularities. This issue gets worse over time, to the point where the extrusion process must be stopped in order to clean the die.
Dynamar PPAs can help keep your extrusion processes running smoothly. These specialty additives have proven to reduce die build-up in a wide range of polymers, including LDPE, PP and many non-olefin polymers.
Contact us if you need product, technical or application advice or want to collaborate with a 3M Technical Specialist.
Call 800-810-8499 (7 AM-4:30 PM Central)
Our technical specialists have developed a library of resources exploring how 3M™ Dynamar™ PPAs function with various polymers, additives and processing conditions. Follow the links to download our brochure, watch videos and explore our library of technical papers.
These papers cover topics such as the mechanism of Dynamar PPAs; their effects on a variety of physical and optical properties; reduction in melt fracture and die build-up; the influence of compounding and extrusion parameters; and interactions with various materials and additives.
Additive Interactions
Blow Molding and Blown Film
Reduction of Die Build-up, Gel Formation and Melt
Additional Applications for PPAs
A 3M Representative will contact you to discuss your needs in more detail.
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