Atlantic Poly Blog
Plastics Glossary of Terms
Darren Kincaid - Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Additive:
A compound or substance added to a polymer to improve or alter some
characteristic of the polymer. Examples include pigments, antistats and
flame retardant.
Antiblock Agent: Additive incorporated in film to prevent the adhesion (sticking) between touching layers of film during fabrication, storage, or use.
Antioxidant: An additive which inhibits the degradation and oxidation of material when exposed to ambient air during processing and subsequently in the end product form.
Antistatic Agent: Additive which imparts a slight degree of electrical conductivity to plastics, permitting the dissipation of static electricity.
Average Molecular Weight: Molecular weight of polymers is determined by viscosity of the material in solution at a specific temperature. This results in an average molecular weight of the molecular chains independent of specific chain length. The value obtained falls between weight and number average molecular weight.
Banbury Mixer: A compounding apparatus consisting of two contra-rotating spiral-shaped blades encased in intersecting cylindrical housings so as to leave a ridge between blades.
Barrel: The tubular portion of the extruder or injection molding machine in which the extruder screw is placed and rotates.
Barrier Resins: Polymers which have very low permeability to gases.
Beta Gauge: A thickness measuring device used for sheeting or extruded pans. The device operates by beta radiation being emitted on one side of the pan and a detector placed on the opposite side. When a pan is passed through the beam, some of the beta radiation is absorbed, which is indicative of the pan thickness.
Biaxial Orientation: The process of stretching a hot plastic film or other article in two directions under conditions resulting in molecular orientation in two directions.
Biodegradation: The degradation of plastics by microorganisms when buried in the soil. Some plastics can be modified to become biodegradable by the incorporation of a biodegradable additive such as corn starch.
Blend: The mixing of polymers with other polymers or copolymers, usually where the mixture results in the desired physical properties.
Blocking: An undesirable adhesion between layers of film or sheeting which may have developed during processing or storage. Blocking can be prevented by adding antiblock agents to the resin.
Bloom: A thin, greasy film on the surface of a plastic film or pan usually caused by the exudation of an additive. Slip additives are designed to migrate or bloom to the surface of films.
Breaker Plate: A perforated plate located at the rear end of an extruder head or die adapter serving to support the screen pack. The breaker plat also helps to generate back pressure in extrusion.
Bulk Density: The density (mass per unit of volume) of a resin in solid form (granular, nodular, pellet, powder, etc.) expressed in g/cm3 or lb/ft3.
Calcium Carbonate: A filler and extender used in thermoplastics. It occurs naturally in the form of minerals such as calcite, chalk, limestone, marble, and whiting.
Cast: The cast film process involves the extrusion of molten polymers through a flat slot die to form a thin film or sheet. This film of molten polymer is then quenched by passing through a set of chill rolls (typically water-cooled). The film quenches immediately, and the edges are trimmed prior to winding or stacking.
Centerfold: Folding a film along the length to obtain a two layered product with half the width.
Cfold: Folding of a film along the length to obtain a two layered product with flaps folded on each side of the folded product. The folded film profile looks like a stapled pin from a stapler.
Chill Roll: A cored roll, usually temperature controlled with circulating water, which cools a molten polymer web on contact before winding.
Coextrusion: Fabrication of a multi-layer film by pumping materials through separate extruders and then merging the extruded material into a common die assembly. These die assemblies are constructed to maintain distinct material layers with fusion occurring at the boundaries due to the pressures and temperature of the extruded material.
Color Concentrate: A plastics compound which contains a high percentage of pigment to be blended into base resins. The term masterbatch is sometimes used for color concentrate as well as for concentration of other additives. Comonomer: A monomer which copolymerizes with another monomer.
Copolymer: A polymer resulting from the polymerization reaction of two chemically different monomers.
Corona Treat: The process by which the surface energy of plastic films, foils and paper is increased in order to allow improved wettability and adhesion to inks, coatings and adhesives.
Degradation: A deleterious change in the chemical structure, physical properties, or appearance of a plastic caused by exposure to heat, light, oxygen, or weathering.
Density: Weight per unit volume of a substance usually reported in g/cm3 or lb/ft3.
Die: A steel block containing an orifice through which plastic is extruded, shaping the extrudate to the desired form.
Die Gap: Distance between the metal faces forming the die opening.
Die Lines: Vertical or horizontal marks on the extrudate and in the finished product caused by damaged die elements or by contamination held up in the die land.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): Method used to determine thermal histories of polymers such as melting points and glass transition points.
Drawdown: In extrusion, the process of pulling the extrudate away from the die at a linear speed higher than that at which the melt is emerging from the die, thus reducing the cross-sectional dimensions of the extrudate.
Elasticity: The property (of plastic materials) of recovering original size and shape after deformation.
Elastomer: A material which, at room temperature, can be stretched under low stress to at least twice its original length and, upon immediate release of the stress, will return with force to its approximate original length.
Elongation: Deformation caused by stretching; the fractional increase in length of a material stressed in tension.
Embossing: The process used to modify the surface texture of a smooth film to achieve special surface properties such as surface area, coefficient of friction, gloss, adhesion, etc., and alter the bulk density of the film. For example, embossing forms a waffle from a pancake.
Erucamide: A fatty acid-based slip additive used in polyolefin resins.
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA): Copolymeric member of the polyolefin family derived from random copolymerization of vinyl acetate and ethylene.
Extruder, Single Screw: Basic machine consists of a screw, barrel, drive mechanism, resin feed arrangement and controls. The constantly turning screw augers the resin through the heated barrel where it is heated to proper temperature and blended into a homogeneous melt. Before the melt can leave the barrel, it must pass through a breaker plate and screen pack. The melt is then extruded through the die into the desired shape.
Extrusion: Compacting and melting a plastic material and forcing it through an orifice in a continuous fashion.
Blown Film: Process involves extruding a continuous thin walled tube of plastic and inflating it immediately after it leaves the die. The pressure is such that the tube stretches, increasing its diameter and reducing its wall thickness to desired gauge. Air is trapped within the blow tube (bubble) between the die and collapsing rolls which convert it to layflat film to facilitate winding onto a roll.
Cast Film: Process by which a polymer is extruded from a slot die onto the surface of a water-cooled roll. Film is clearer and has more sparkle than blown film.
Coating: Coating of a substrate by extruding a thin film of molten polymer and pressing it onto the substrate.
Foam: Process for producing plastic sheet or molded article with a cellular construction. Either a chemical or gaseous blowing agent is introduced into the polymer melt while the melt is being prepared in the extruder barrel. As the plastic melt exits the die, it expands a predetermined amount forming a cellular wall.
Film: Sheet material having a nominal thickness not greater than 10 mil.
Flame Retardant: Reactive compounds and additive compounds to render a polymer fire resistant. Reactive compounds become an integral part of the polymer.
Gauge: Thickness of plastic film measured in decimal inches or mils.
Gel: Small globular mass which as not blended completely into the surrounding material resulting in a fault in the film or sheet.
Glass Transition Temperature: The temperature at which a reversible change occurs in an amorphous polymer when it is heated to a certain temperature and undergoes a rather sudden transition from a hard, glassy, or brittle condition to a flexible or elastomeric condition.
Gloss: Brightness or luster of a plastic resulting from a smooth surface.
Gravure Printing: The depressions in an engraved printing cylinder or plate are filled with ink, the excess raised portions being wiped off by a doctor blade. Ink remaining in the depressions is deposited on the plastic film or other substrates as it passes between the gravure roll and resilient back-up roll.
Haze: Cloudiness in plastic film. Measured as percent haze, anything below 5 percent is generally considered high clarity.
Heat Sealing: The process of joining two or more thermoplastic films or sheets by heating areas in contact with each other to the temperature at which fusion occurs, usually aided by pressure.
High-Density Polyethylene: This term is generally considered to include polyethylene's ranging in density from about 0.940 to 0.960 and over.
Homopolymer: The result of the polymerization of a single monomer, a homopolymer consists of a single type of repeating unit.
Jfold: Folding of a film along the length to obtain a two layered product with one layer wider than the other.
Lamination: Bonding of a polymeric or non-polymeric substrate to a polymeric film using heat and pressure.
Linear Polymer: A polymer in which the monomeric units are linked together in linear fashion with little or no long chain branching. Examples are linear low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene.
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene: Includes polyethylene's ranging in density from 0.915 to 0.935.
Low-Density Polyethylene: This term is generally considered to include polyethylene's ranging in density from about 0.915 to 0.925. In low density polyethylene's, the ethylene monomeric units are linked in random fashion, with the main chains having long and short side branches. This branching prevents the formation of a closely knit pattern, resulting in material that is relatively soft, flexible and tough, and which will withstand moderate heat.
Masterbatch: A concentrated blend of pigment, additives, filler, etc. in a base polymer.
Melt Fracture: Is a phenomenon of melt extrudate in which the surface appears rough or wavy upon exit from the die. Melt fracture may appear uniformly or in certain sections only.
Melt Index: The number of grams, of a thermoplastic resin which can be forced through a 0.0825 inch orifice when subjected to 2160 grams force in 10 minutes at 190°C.
Melting Point: The temperature at which a resin changes from a solid to a liquid.
Modulus of Elasticity: The ratio of stress to strain below the yield point of the material.
Molecular Weight (MW): The sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule.
Molecular Weight Distribution (MWD): The relative amounts of polymers of different molecular weights (MW) that make up a specific polymer.
Mono layer: A homogenous film formed by pumping molten polymer from an extruder through a die assembly to form a film or sheet.
Neck-In: In extrusion coating, the difference between the width of the extrusion die opening and the width of the coating on the substrate.
Nip: The V-shaped gap between a pair of calender rolls where incoming material is nipped and drawn between the rolls.
Octene: A comonomer used in the production of linear low-density polyethylene's.
Offset Printing: A printing process in which the image to be printed is first applied to an intermediate carrier such as a roll or plate, then is transferred to a plastic film or molded article.
Oleamide: An ivory-colored powder used as a slip additive in polyolefin's.
Orange Peel: An uneven surface texture of a plastic article or its finished coating somewhat resembling the surface of an orange, see Melt Fracture.
Pellets: Tablets of uniform size, consisting of resins or mixtures of resins with compounding additives which have been prepared for molding operations by shaping in a pelletizing machine or by extrusion and chopping into short segments.
Perforating: Processes by which plastic film or sheeting is provided with holes ranging from relatively large diameters for decorative effects (by means of punching or clicking) to very small, even invisible, sizes. The latter are attained by passing the material between rollers or plates, one of which is equipped with closely spaced fine needles or by spark erosion.
Permeation: The passage or diffusion of a gas, vapor, liquid, or solid through a barrier without physically or chemically affecting it.
Permeability: Permeability is the property of a material, i.e. the degree to which it allows permeation to occur.
Photodegradation: Degradation of plastics due to the action of light. Most plastics tend to absorb high-energy radiation in the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum, which results in the formation of free radicals and causes oxidation, cleavage, and other degradative reactions.
Polyethylene: A family of resins obtained by polymerizing the gas ethylene.
Polymer Process Aid (PPA): Additives incorporated into plastics as a modifier to aid in the extrusion of film, pipe, sheet, etc.
Polymerization: A chemical reaction in which the molecules of a simple substance (monomer) are linked together to form large molecules whose molecular weight is a multiple of that of the monomer.
Polyolefins: The class of polymers made by polymerizing relatively simple olefins, including ethylene, propylene, butenes, isoprenes, and pentenes.
Polypropylene: A tough, lightweight, rigid plastic made by the polymerization of high-purity propylene gas in the presence of an organometallic catalyst at relatively low pressures and temperatures.
Pressure Roll: In extrusion coating, a roll used to apply pressure to consolidate the substrate and the plastic film with which it has been coated.
Random Copolymer: A copolymer consisting of alternating segments of two monomeric units of random distribution, including single molecules.
Reinforced Plastics: Molded, formed, filament wound, or shaped plastic parts consisting of resins to which reinforcing fibers, mats, fabrics, etc., have been added before the forming operation. Strength properties are improved.
Resin: An organic substance of natural or synthetic origin characterized by being polymeric in nature.
Screen: Woven metal screens are installed across the flow of plastic in an extruder. They are located between the tip of the screw and the die. Supported by a breaker plate, the screens strain out contaminants and increase back pressure.
Sheeting: Sheets are distinguished from films in the plastics and packaging industry only according to the thickness. A web under 10 mils (.010 inch) thick is usually called a film, whereas a web 10 mils and over in thickness is usually called a sheet. Sheeting is most commonly made by extrusion, casting, and calendering.
Shelf Life: The length of time over which a product will remain fit for use during storage under specific conditions.
Silica: Naturally occurring silica occurs in deposits which are 99 percent silicon dioxide. The hardness provides both mechanical strength and abrasion resistance. Silica's are an economical extender-filler which is thermally stable, pure, low in ionic impurities, and hard. They are often used as antiblocking agents in polyolefin's.
Slip Agent: Provides surface lubrication following the processing of plastics. Compounded into the plastic, the additive gradually migrates to the surface where it reduces the coefficient of friction. Slitting: THe conversion of a given width of plastic film, tube, or sheeting to several various widths by means of knives.
Specific Gravity: The ratio of weight of a given volume of a substance to that of an equal volume of water at the same temperature. The temperature selected varies among industries, 15°C (60°F) being the usual standard.
Specific Heat: THe amount of heat required to raise a specified mass by one unit of a specified temperature, usually expressed as Btu/lb/°F. or cal/g/°C.
Stabilizer: Ingredient used in the formulation of some polymers to assist in maintaining the physical and chemical properties of the compounded materials, for example, heat and UV stabilizers.
Static Eliminators: Mechanical devices for removing electrical static charges from plastic articles. Types of static eliminators include static bars, ionizing blowers, and air guns.
Stearamide: A slip additive used in polyolefin's.
Strain: In tensile testing, the ratio of the elongation to the gauge length of the test specimen, that is, the change in length per unit of original length.
Stress: The force producing or tending to produce deformation divided by the area over which the force is applied.
Surface Tension: A fluid in contact with a surface exhibits phenomena, due to molecular attractions, which appears to arise from a tension in the surface of the fluid. It may be expressed as dynes per centimeter or as ergs per square centimeter.
Tack: The stickiness of an adhesive, measurable as the force required to separate an adherent from it by viscous or plastic flow of the adhesive.
Tackifier: A substance such as a resin ester which is added to synthetic resins or elastomeric adhesives to improve the initial and extended tackiness of the film.
Talc: A natural hydrous magnesium silicate, used frequently as a filler such as steatite, talcum, mineral graphite.
Tear Resistance: Resistance of a material to a force acting to initiate and then propagate a failure at the edge of a test specimen.
Tensile Strength: The maximum tensile stress sustained by the specimen before failure in a tension test. Usually expressed in pounds per square inch or megapascals. The cross-sectional area used is that of the original specimen, not at the point of rupture.
Thermoforming: The process of forming a thermoplastic sheet into a three-dimensional shape by clamping the sheet in a frame, heating it to render it soft, then applying differential pressure to make the sheet conform to the shape of a mold or die positioned below the frame.
Thermoplastics: Resins or plastic compounds which, in their final state as finished articles, are capable of being repeatedly softened by an increase of temperature and hardened by a decrease of temperature.
Thermosets: Resins or plastic compounds which in their final state as finished articles are substantially infusible and insoluble.
Titanium Dioxide: A white powder available in two crystalline forms, the anatase and rutile types.
Transition Temperature: The temperature at which a polymer changes from (or to) a viscous or rubbery condition to (or from) a hard and relatively brittle one.
Treater: Equipment and process used to render a surface of inert plastics, such as polyethylene, more receptive to inks, adhesives, or coatings.
Vapor Barrier: A layer of material through which water vapor will not pass.
Vicat Softening Point: The temperature at which a flat-ended needle of 1 square millimeter circular or square cross section will penetrate a thermoplastic specimen to a depth of 1 mm under a specified load using a uniform rate of temperature rise. (ASTM D-1525-58T).
Virgin Material: Any plastic compound or resin that has not been subjected to use or processing other than that required for its original manufacture.
Viscosity: The measure of the resistance of a fluid to flow (either through a specific orifice or in a rotational viscometer).
Wrinkle: A surface imperfection in plastic films that has the appearance of a crease or wrinkle.
Yellowness Index: A measure of the tendency of plastics to turn yellow upon long-term exposure to light or heat.
Antiblock Agent: Additive incorporated in film to prevent the adhesion (sticking) between touching layers of film during fabrication, storage, or use.
Antioxidant: An additive which inhibits the degradation and oxidation of material when exposed to ambient air during processing and subsequently in the end product form.
Antistatic Agent: Additive which imparts a slight degree of electrical conductivity to plastics, permitting the dissipation of static electricity.
Average Molecular Weight: Molecular weight of polymers is determined by viscosity of the material in solution at a specific temperature. This results in an average molecular weight of the molecular chains independent of specific chain length. The value obtained falls between weight and number average molecular weight.
Banbury Mixer: A compounding apparatus consisting of two contra-rotating spiral-shaped blades encased in intersecting cylindrical housings so as to leave a ridge between blades.
Barrel: The tubular portion of the extruder or injection molding machine in which the extruder screw is placed and rotates.
Barrier Resins: Polymers which have very low permeability to gases.
Beta Gauge: A thickness measuring device used for sheeting or extruded pans. The device operates by beta radiation being emitted on one side of the pan and a detector placed on the opposite side. When a pan is passed through the beam, some of the beta radiation is absorbed, which is indicative of the pan thickness.
Biaxial Orientation: The process of stretching a hot plastic film or other article in two directions under conditions resulting in molecular orientation in two directions.
Biodegradation: The degradation of plastics by microorganisms when buried in the soil. Some plastics can be modified to become biodegradable by the incorporation of a biodegradable additive such as corn starch.
Blend: The mixing of polymers with other polymers or copolymers, usually where the mixture results in the desired physical properties.
Blocking: An undesirable adhesion between layers of film or sheeting which may have developed during processing or storage. Blocking can be prevented by adding antiblock agents to the resin.
Bloom: A thin, greasy film on the surface of a plastic film or pan usually caused by the exudation of an additive. Slip additives are designed to migrate or bloom to the surface of films.
Breaker Plate: A perforated plate located at the rear end of an extruder head or die adapter serving to support the screen pack. The breaker plat also helps to generate back pressure in extrusion.
Bulk Density: The density (mass per unit of volume) of a resin in solid form (granular, nodular, pellet, powder, etc.) expressed in g/cm3 or lb/ft3.
Calcium Carbonate: A filler and extender used in thermoplastics. It occurs naturally in the form of minerals such as calcite, chalk, limestone, marble, and whiting.
Cast: The cast film process involves the extrusion of molten polymers through a flat slot die to form a thin film or sheet. This film of molten polymer is then quenched by passing through a set of chill rolls (typically water-cooled). The film quenches immediately, and the edges are trimmed prior to winding or stacking.
Centerfold: Folding a film along the length to obtain a two layered product with half the width.
Cfold: Folding of a film along the length to obtain a two layered product with flaps folded on each side of the folded product. The folded film profile looks like a stapled pin from a stapler.
Chill Roll: A cored roll, usually temperature controlled with circulating water, which cools a molten polymer web on contact before winding.
Coextrusion: Fabrication of a multi-layer film by pumping materials through separate extruders and then merging the extruded material into a common die assembly. These die assemblies are constructed to maintain distinct material layers with fusion occurring at the boundaries due to the pressures and temperature of the extruded material.
Color Concentrate: A plastics compound which contains a high percentage of pigment to be blended into base resins. The term masterbatch is sometimes used for color concentrate as well as for concentration of other additives. Comonomer: A monomer which copolymerizes with another monomer.
Copolymer: A polymer resulting from the polymerization reaction of two chemically different monomers.
Corona Treat: The process by which the surface energy of plastic films, foils and paper is increased in order to allow improved wettability and adhesion to inks, coatings and adhesives.
Degradation: A deleterious change in the chemical structure, physical properties, or appearance of a plastic caused by exposure to heat, light, oxygen, or weathering.
Density: Weight per unit volume of a substance usually reported in g/cm3 or lb/ft3.
Die: A steel block containing an orifice through which plastic is extruded, shaping the extrudate to the desired form.
Die Gap: Distance between the metal faces forming the die opening.
Die Lines: Vertical or horizontal marks on the extrudate and in the finished product caused by damaged die elements or by contamination held up in the die land.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): Method used to determine thermal histories of polymers such as melting points and glass transition points.
Drawdown: In extrusion, the process of pulling the extrudate away from the die at a linear speed higher than that at which the melt is emerging from the die, thus reducing the cross-sectional dimensions of the extrudate.
Elasticity: The property (of plastic materials) of recovering original size and shape after deformation.
Elastomer: A material which, at room temperature, can be stretched under low stress to at least twice its original length and, upon immediate release of the stress, will return with force to its approximate original length.
Elongation: Deformation caused by stretching; the fractional increase in length of a material stressed in tension.
Embossing: The process used to modify the surface texture of a smooth film to achieve special surface properties such as surface area, coefficient of friction, gloss, adhesion, etc., and alter the bulk density of the film. For example, embossing forms a waffle from a pancake.
Erucamide: A fatty acid-based slip additive used in polyolefin resins.
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA): Copolymeric member of the polyolefin family derived from random copolymerization of vinyl acetate and ethylene.
Extruder, Single Screw: Basic machine consists of a screw, barrel, drive mechanism, resin feed arrangement and controls. The constantly turning screw augers the resin through the heated barrel where it is heated to proper temperature and blended into a homogeneous melt. Before the melt can leave the barrel, it must pass through a breaker plate and screen pack. The melt is then extruded through the die into the desired shape.
Extrusion: Compacting and melting a plastic material and forcing it through an orifice in a continuous fashion.
Blown Film: Process involves extruding a continuous thin walled tube of plastic and inflating it immediately after it leaves the die. The pressure is such that the tube stretches, increasing its diameter and reducing its wall thickness to desired gauge. Air is trapped within the blow tube (bubble) between the die and collapsing rolls which convert it to layflat film to facilitate winding onto a roll.
Cast Film: Process by which a polymer is extruded from a slot die onto the surface of a water-cooled roll. Film is clearer and has more sparkle than blown film.
Coating: Coating of a substrate by extruding a thin film of molten polymer and pressing it onto the substrate.
Foam: Process for producing plastic sheet or molded article with a cellular construction. Either a chemical or gaseous blowing agent is introduced into the polymer melt while the melt is being prepared in the extruder barrel. As the plastic melt exits the die, it expands a predetermined amount forming a cellular wall.
Film: Sheet material having a nominal thickness not greater than 10 mil.
Flame Retardant: Reactive compounds and additive compounds to render a polymer fire resistant. Reactive compounds become an integral part of the polymer.
Gauge: Thickness of plastic film measured in decimal inches or mils.
Gel: Small globular mass which as not blended completely into the surrounding material resulting in a fault in the film or sheet.
Glass Transition Temperature: The temperature at which a reversible change occurs in an amorphous polymer when it is heated to a certain temperature and undergoes a rather sudden transition from a hard, glassy, or brittle condition to a flexible or elastomeric condition.
Gloss: Brightness or luster of a plastic resulting from a smooth surface.
Gravure Printing: The depressions in an engraved printing cylinder or plate are filled with ink, the excess raised portions being wiped off by a doctor blade. Ink remaining in the depressions is deposited on the plastic film or other substrates as it passes between the gravure roll and resilient back-up roll.
Haze: Cloudiness in plastic film. Measured as percent haze, anything below 5 percent is generally considered high clarity.
Heat Sealing: The process of joining two or more thermoplastic films or sheets by heating areas in contact with each other to the temperature at which fusion occurs, usually aided by pressure.
High-Density Polyethylene: This term is generally considered to include polyethylene's ranging in density from about 0.940 to 0.960 and over.
Homopolymer: The result of the polymerization of a single monomer, a homopolymer consists of a single type of repeating unit.
Jfold: Folding of a film along the length to obtain a two layered product with one layer wider than the other.
Lamination: Bonding of a polymeric or non-polymeric substrate to a polymeric film using heat and pressure.
Linear Polymer: A polymer in which the monomeric units are linked together in linear fashion with little or no long chain branching. Examples are linear low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene.
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene: Includes polyethylene's ranging in density from 0.915 to 0.935.
Low-Density Polyethylene: This term is generally considered to include polyethylene's ranging in density from about 0.915 to 0.925. In low density polyethylene's, the ethylene monomeric units are linked in random fashion, with the main chains having long and short side branches. This branching prevents the formation of a closely knit pattern, resulting in material that is relatively soft, flexible and tough, and which will withstand moderate heat.
Masterbatch: A concentrated blend of pigment, additives, filler, etc. in a base polymer.
Melt Fracture: Is a phenomenon of melt extrudate in which the surface appears rough or wavy upon exit from the die. Melt fracture may appear uniformly or in certain sections only.
Melt Index: The number of grams, of a thermoplastic resin which can be forced through a 0.0825 inch orifice when subjected to 2160 grams force in 10 minutes at 190°C.
Melting Point: The temperature at which a resin changes from a solid to a liquid.
Modulus of Elasticity: The ratio of stress to strain below the yield point of the material.
Molecular Weight (MW): The sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule.
Molecular Weight Distribution (MWD): The relative amounts of polymers of different molecular weights (MW) that make up a specific polymer.
Mono layer: A homogenous film formed by pumping molten polymer from an extruder through a die assembly to form a film or sheet.
Neck-In: In extrusion coating, the difference between the width of the extrusion die opening and the width of the coating on the substrate.
Nip: The V-shaped gap between a pair of calender rolls where incoming material is nipped and drawn between the rolls.
Octene: A comonomer used in the production of linear low-density polyethylene's.
Offset Printing: A printing process in which the image to be printed is first applied to an intermediate carrier such as a roll or plate, then is transferred to a plastic film or molded article.
Oleamide: An ivory-colored powder used as a slip additive in polyolefin's.
Orange Peel: An uneven surface texture of a plastic article or its finished coating somewhat resembling the surface of an orange, see Melt Fracture.
Pellets: Tablets of uniform size, consisting of resins or mixtures of resins with compounding additives which have been prepared for molding operations by shaping in a pelletizing machine or by extrusion and chopping into short segments.
Perforating: Processes by which plastic film or sheeting is provided with holes ranging from relatively large diameters for decorative effects (by means of punching or clicking) to very small, even invisible, sizes. The latter are attained by passing the material between rollers or plates, one of which is equipped with closely spaced fine needles or by spark erosion.
Permeation: The passage or diffusion of a gas, vapor, liquid, or solid through a barrier without physically or chemically affecting it.
Permeability: Permeability is the property of a material, i.e. the degree to which it allows permeation to occur.
Photodegradation: Degradation of plastics due to the action of light. Most plastics tend to absorb high-energy radiation in the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum, which results in the formation of free radicals and causes oxidation, cleavage, and other degradative reactions.
Polyethylene: A family of resins obtained by polymerizing the gas ethylene.
Polymer Process Aid (PPA): Additives incorporated into plastics as a modifier to aid in the extrusion of film, pipe, sheet, etc.
Polymerization: A chemical reaction in which the molecules of a simple substance (monomer) are linked together to form large molecules whose molecular weight is a multiple of that of the monomer.
Polyolefins: The class of polymers made by polymerizing relatively simple olefins, including ethylene, propylene, butenes, isoprenes, and pentenes.
Polypropylene: A tough, lightweight, rigid plastic made by the polymerization of high-purity propylene gas in the presence of an organometallic catalyst at relatively low pressures and temperatures.
Pressure Roll: In extrusion coating, a roll used to apply pressure to consolidate the substrate and the plastic film with which it has been coated.
Random Copolymer: A copolymer consisting of alternating segments of two monomeric units of random distribution, including single molecules.
Reinforced Plastics: Molded, formed, filament wound, or shaped plastic parts consisting of resins to which reinforcing fibers, mats, fabrics, etc., have been added before the forming operation. Strength properties are improved.
Resin: An organic substance of natural or synthetic origin characterized by being polymeric in nature.
Screen: Woven metal screens are installed across the flow of plastic in an extruder. They are located between the tip of the screw and the die. Supported by a breaker plate, the screens strain out contaminants and increase back pressure.
Sheeting: Sheets are distinguished from films in the plastics and packaging industry only according to the thickness. A web under 10 mils (.010 inch) thick is usually called a film, whereas a web 10 mils and over in thickness is usually called a sheet. Sheeting is most commonly made by extrusion, casting, and calendering.
Shelf Life: The length of time over which a product will remain fit for use during storage under specific conditions.
Silica: Naturally occurring silica occurs in deposits which are 99 percent silicon dioxide. The hardness provides both mechanical strength and abrasion resistance. Silica's are an economical extender-filler which is thermally stable, pure, low in ionic impurities, and hard. They are often used as antiblocking agents in polyolefin's.
Slip Agent: Provides surface lubrication following the processing of plastics. Compounded into the plastic, the additive gradually migrates to the surface where it reduces the coefficient of friction. Slitting: THe conversion of a given width of plastic film, tube, or sheeting to several various widths by means of knives.
Specific Gravity: The ratio of weight of a given volume of a substance to that of an equal volume of water at the same temperature. The temperature selected varies among industries, 15°C (60°F) being the usual standard.
Specific Heat: THe amount of heat required to raise a specified mass by one unit of a specified temperature, usually expressed as Btu/lb/°F. or cal/g/°C.
Stabilizer: Ingredient used in the formulation of some polymers to assist in maintaining the physical and chemical properties of the compounded materials, for example, heat and UV stabilizers.
Static Eliminators: Mechanical devices for removing electrical static charges from plastic articles. Types of static eliminators include static bars, ionizing blowers, and air guns.
Stearamide: A slip additive used in polyolefin's.
Strain: In tensile testing, the ratio of the elongation to the gauge length of the test specimen, that is, the change in length per unit of original length.
Stress: The force producing or tending to produce deformation divided by the area over which the force is applied.
Surface Tension: A fluid in contact with a surface exhibits phenomena, due to molecular attractions, which appears to arise from a tension in the surface of the fluid. It may be expressed as dynes per centimeter or as ergs per square centimeter.
Tack: The stickiness of an adhesive, measurable as the force required to separate an adherent from it by viscous or plastic flow of the adhesive.
Tackifier: A substance such as a resin ester which is added to synthetic resins or elastomeric adhesives to improve the initial and extended tackiness of the film.
Talc: A natural hydrous magnesium silicate, used frequently as a filler such as steatite, talcum, mineral graphite.
Tear Resistance: Resistance of a material to a force acting to initiate and then propagate a failure at the edge of a test specimen.
Tensile Strength: The maximum tensile stress sustained by the specimen before failure in a tension test. Usually expressed in pounds per square inch or megapascals. The cross-sectional area used is that of the original specimen, not at the point of rupture.
Thermoforming: The process of forming a thermoplastic sheet into a three-dimensional shape by clamping the sheet in a frame, heating it to render it soft, then applying differential pressure to make the sheet conform to the shape of a mold or die positioned below the frame.
Thermoplastics: Resins or plastic compounds which, in their final state as finished articles, are capable of being repeatedly softened by an increase of temperature and hardened by a decrease of temperature.
Thermosets: Resins or plastic compounds which in their final state as finished articles are substantially infusible and insoluble.
Titanium Dioxide: A white powder available in two crystalline forms, the anatase and rutile types.
Transition Temperature: The temperature at which a polymer changes from (or to) a viscous or rubbery condition to (or from) a hard and relatively brittle one.
Treater: Equipment and process used to render a surface of inert plastics, such as polyethylene, more receptive to inks, adhesives, or coatings.
Vapor Barrier: A layer of material through which water vapor will not pass.
Vicat Softening Point: The temperature at which a flat-ended needle of 1 square millimeter circular or square cross section will penetrate a thermoplastic specimen to a depth of 1 mm under a specified load using a uniform rate of temperature rise. (ASTM D-1525-58T).
Virgin Material: Any plastic compound or resin that has not been subjected to use or processing other than that required for its original manufacture.
Viscosity: The measure of the resistance of a fluid to flow (either through a specific orifice or in a rotational viscometer).
Wrinkle: A surface imperfection in plastic films that has the appearance of a crease or wrinkle.
Yellowness Index: A measure of the tendency of plastics to turn yellow upon long-term exposure to light or heat.
Atlantic Poly’s Corrugated Boxes – Durable AND Eco Friendly
Darren Kincaid - Thursday, September 30, 2010
Companies
that ship products almost certainly have the need to purchase and use
corrugated boxes. Corrugated boxes are made from Kraft paper in
different paper weights to give strength to a carton. In a typical
single-wall box there are 3 papers. An inside liner, a medium, and an
outside liner make up the construction of corrugated boxes. All
responsible business today are concerned with protecting the
environment. We want you to know that our boxes are made from 100%
post-consumer fiber yet provide our customers the strongest products on
the market.
Corrugated boxes provide a solution that not only returns waste back into the usable stream of packaging, but does it at no increase cost and no loss in performance. It is a perfect way (and just one of our ways) of going “green”. Today recycled corrugated boxes have tested at the same strength as those of the normal fiber variety, and this is not limited to 200% board. Paper board combinations are available to create board tests from 150% to 350% board strengths.
Printing is also not an issue with 100% post-consumer cardboard boxes. Box converters print both gradient and screen printing onto recycled custom boxes, giving it the same look that you would expect from a printed custom corrugated box.
In most cases there is no difference in cost between normal fiber corrugated boxes and 100% post-consumer recycled corrugated boxes. Check out our corrugated boxes and many of our other polyethylene products today. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact us and we’ll be glad to assist you in any manner possible.
Corrugated boxes provide a solution that not only returns waste back into the usable stream of packaging, but does it at no increase cost and no loss in performance. It is a perfect way (and just one of our ways) of going “green”. Today recycled corrugated boxes have tested at the same strength as those of the normal fiber variety, and this is not limited to 200% board. Paper board combinations are available to create board tests from 150% to 350% board strengths.
Printing is also not an issue with 100% post-consumer cardboard boxes. Box converters print both gradient and screen printing onto recycled custom boxes, giving it the same look that you would expect from a printed custom corrugated box.
In most cases there is no difference in cost between normal fiber corrugated boxes and 100% post-consumer recycled corrugated boxes. Check out our corrugated boxes and many of our other polyethylene products today. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact us and we’ll be glad to assist you in any manner possible.
Anti-Static Bags Keep The Shock Out Of Sensitive Items
Darren Kincaid - Monday, September 27, 2010
You
here the phrase “anti-static” bag and think, why do you need to protect
something from static? You can barely feel it. Well while, people can
barely feel static as it discharges in such low rates, it can virtually
destroy a static sensitive item. This is because of ESD. ESD stands for
Electrostatic Discharge. It is a rapid transfer of electrostatic charge
between objects, which can arise from human handling or contact with
machines. This discharge can damage and basically fry static sensitive
items. So anti-static bags help prevents this from ever occurring. But
before you order just any type make sure you know which type you need.
The most common type to be used is the pink anti-static bag. While this
bag will help protect the contents of the bag, they will only help
remove the buildup of static.
Static Electricity can still pass through the bag. What you need is a bag that can offer Faraday Cage protection; this can be provided by using our other type, a Metallic Static Shielding Bag. You do however need to be aware of any batteries or power packs that may touch the conductive layer and drain the battery. In cases such as this you will need a static shield bag, which has several layers of film with an in built metallic layer that provides the faraday cage protection. With this type of bag you can actually see through the material making the contents easier to Identify. These metallic shielding bags are powerful bags that will protect the contents both inside and keep harmful static from reaching inside. There is also an extra layer in the middle to add to the thickness of the bag itself, providing extra support for static sensitive items.
It is worth noting that in terms of cost the anti-static is cheapest, followed by static shielding then moisture barrier bags which are another type of bag that not only provides protection from ESD but also prevents moisture penetrating the bag and causing damage to a moisture sensitive device. As technology develops electronic devices are becoming far more sensitive so it’s important to establish what means of protection are required. Contact us today for more information on our anti-static bags and help determine which is best for your sensitive item needs.
Static Electricity can still pass through the bag. What you need is a bag that can offer Faraday Cage protection; this can be provided by using our other type, a Metallic Static Shielding Bag. You do however need to be aware of any batteries or power packs that may touch the conductive layer and drain the battery. In cases such as this you will need a static shield bag, which has several layers of film with an in built metallic layer that provides the faraday cage protection. With this type of bag you can actually see through the material making the contents easier to Identify. These metallic shielding bags are powerful bags that will protect the contents both inside and keep harmful static from reaching inside. There is also an extra layer in the middle to add to the thickness of the bag itself, providing extra support for static sensitive items.
It is worth noting that in terms of cost the anti-static is cheapest, followed by static shielding then moisture barrier bags which are another type of bag that not only provides protection from ESD but also prevents moisture penetrating the bag and causing damage to a moisture sensitive device. As technology develops electronic devices are becoming far more sensitive so it’s important to establish what means of protection are required. Contact us today for more information on our anti-static bags and help determine which is best for your sensitive item needs.
Move Your Corrosion Control Program Forward With VCI Bags
Darren Kincaid - Thursday, September 16, 2010
Corrosion
control is an expensive program for all industrial manufacturing firms.
If oil and grease still rule your corrosion control process, then learn
how the use of Atlantic Poly VCI Bags will save your business money,
present a safer working environment for your staff, and make you a
“greener” company.
VCI bags protect all metal surfaces. VCI products utilize vapor corrosion inhibitors that emit corrosion-fighting molecules. Any machine, finished product, or product under construction that is covered with VCI becomes completely saturated with vapor corrosion inhibitors.
Using VCI reduces the cost of construction, as it is a much more efficient corrosion control process as compared to using oils and grease. Using a VCI bag is more efficient because it is easy to use - simply place the item you want to protect inside the bag. The application of oils and grease is a comparatively long process. Of course the use of VCE totally eliminates oil and grease material and labor costs
V
CI improves employee health and occupational safety of your business. Employees are not exposed to hazardous chemicals or fumes. The vapor corrosion inhibitors emitted by VCI bags are odorless, colorless and completely safe. With oils and greases, there is always human exposure, mess, and never a guarantee that every inch of the device is covered.
Our VCI bags and other VCI packaging products are applicable to every stage of the manufacturing process. From protecting parts used in production to storing a finished product, VCI bags offer superior protection and at a valued cost.
VCI bags protect all metal surfaces. VCI products utilize vapor corrosion inhibitors that emit corrosion-fighting molecules. Any machine, finished product, or product under construction that is covered with VCI becomes completely saturated with vapor corrosion inhibitors.
Using VCI reduces the cost of construction, as it is a much more efficient corrosion control process as compared to using oils and grease. Using a VCI bag is more efficient because it is easy to use - simply place the item you want to protect inside the bag. The application of oils and grease is a comparatively long process. Of course the use of VCE totally eliminates oil and grease material and labor costs
V
CI improves employee health and occupational safety of your business. Employees are not exposed to hazardous chemicals or fumes. The vapor corrosion inhibitors emitted by VCI bags are odorless, colorless and completely safe. With oils and greases, there is always human exposure, mess, and never a guarantee that every inch of the device is covered.
Our VCI bags and other VCI packaging products are applicable to every stage of the manufacturing process. From protecting parts used in production to storing a finished product, VCI bags offer superior protection and at a valued cost.
Product Manufacturers--Polyethylene Stretch Film Saves Operations Costs
Darren Kincaid - Friday, September 10, 2010
This
blog post goes out to any and all product manufacturers. We all
realize all too well that product damage loss takes a direct hit on net
profit. When you strategize how to reduce damage loss, have you
considered implementing Atlantic Poly Inc's low-cost Polyethylene
Stretch Film in your manufacturing and shipping process? You absolutely
should as it can and will save you thousands of dollars.
Stretch film is an exceptional security measure when transiting pallets either within your warehouse or when shipping by land, sea, or air. Stretch film provides an overall superior option to tie straps because stretch film provides arguably greater pallet stability at a fraction of the cost. After reading this, take a look at last year's investment in tie-straps. Not only do they wear, they often do not return from the distant shipping end.
If you are storing, let us know as we can accommodate to your stretch film needs and serve as good protection for your products. If you inform us of the conditions that your products will be stored in (i.e. in the warehouse, in an outdoor lot, etc.) we can ensure which will be the most effective for you. All wraps will help protect your stock from dust and moisture, which can also reduce the risk for mold and pest infection as well. If you will be storing your pallets outdoors, this can also help protect your boxes from UV damage. The wrap can also reduce friction damage from box to box, as sometimes boxes rubbing against each other can scratch or tear if not protected by the film.
We will provide you with a wrap that is easy to see through so that you can easily determine which product is on which pallet. However, this clear wrap can also serve another purpose - it can serve as a prevention and warning sign for internal tampering or pilferage. Businesses are most at risk from internal theft rather than external theft - by placing this wrap on all of your pallets, you can easily tell if one has been tampered with, allowing you to get to the bottom of the situation faster. This will also dissuade employees or intruders from stealing products, saving you much time and money.
If you are not currently using stretch film on a regular basis, you should conduct a financial assessment of stretch film vs tie straps. We can help you do this. The bottom line is this.....you will save time and money in the long run by using stretch film. Oh by the way....it is recyclable too. We'll be glad to talk to you at length about the many stretch film options available to you.
Stretch film is an exceptional security measure when transiting pallets either within your warehouse or when shipping by land, sea, or air. Stretch film provides an overall superior option to tie straps because stretch film provides arguably greater pallet stability at a fraction of the cost. After reading this, take a look at last year's investment in tie-straps. Not only do they wear, they often do not return from the distant shipping end.
If you are storing, let us know as we can accommodate to your stretch film needs and serve as good protection for your products. If you inform us of the conditions that your products will be stored in (i.e. in the warehouse, in an outdoor lot, etc.) we can ensure which will be the most effective for you. All wraps will help protect your stock from dust and moisture, which can also reduce the risk for mold and pest infection as well. If you will be storing your pallets outdoors, this can also help protect your boxes from UV damage. The wrap can also reduce friction damage from box to box, as sometimes boxes rubbing against each other can scratch or tear if not protected by the film.
We will provide you with a wrap that is easy to see through so that you can easily determine which product is on which pallet. However, this clear wrap can also serve another purpose - it can serve as a prevention and warning sign for internal tampering or pilferage. Businesses are most at risk from internal theft rather than external theft - by placing this wrap on all of your pallets, you can easily tell if one has been tampered with, allowing you to get to the bottom of the situation faster. This will also dissuade employees or intruders from stealing products, saving you much time and money.
If you are not currently using stretch film on a regular basis, you should conduct a financial assessment of stretch film vs tie straps. We can help you do this. The bottom line is this.....you will save time and money in the long run by using stretch film. Oh by the way....it is recyclable too. We'll be glad to talk to you at length about the many stretch film options available to you.
The 7 Categories of Plastics and Disposal Guidelines
Darren Kincaid - Tuesday, August 31, 2010
All
over the world, many types of plastic are commonly used. Plastic are
given a numbering category or identification code for each different
types so that it can be sorted and properly recycled. Each type of
plastic melts at a different temperature and displays different
properties. Many are biodegradable in nature. The identification system
divides plastic into seven distinct types and uses a number code
generally found on the bottom of containers. It is important to recycle
bioplastics properly so they can be disposed of in a safe manner. While
in one of our older posts we showed the 3 most popular recycling
plastics, we feel it is helpful for you to know all seven of the icons.
So if you do get a rare plastic, hopefully this blog will help you take
proper disposal action. The seven types of plastic are:
Plastic #1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE)
Common uses:Cooking oil bottles, 2 liter soda bottles, peanut butter jars. This is the most widely recycled plastic and often has redemption value.
Plastic #2: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Common uses: Heavy duty liners, detergent bottles, milk jugs, Heavy Duty HDPE Polyethylene plastic sheeting. A common plastic that is used, and recycled on a daily basis.
Plastic #3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Common uses: shrink wrap, salad dressing containers,plastic pipes, outdoor furniture, water bottles, and liquid detergent containers.
Plastic #4: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Common uses:Plastic Sheeting used in construction, trash can liners, dry cleaning bags, produce bags, food storage containers.
Plastic #5: Polypropylene (PP)
Common uses:Open top containers (sour cream, yogurt) bottle caps, drinking straws. Recycling centers almost never take #5 plastic.
Plastic #6: Polystyrene (PS)
Common uses:To-go "clam shell" containers, packaging pellets or "Styrofoam peanuts," cups, plastic tableware, and meat trays,. Many shipping/packaging stores will accept polystyrene peanuts and other packaging materials for reuse. Cups, meat trays, and other containers that have come in contact with food are more difficult to recycle.
Plastic #7: Other
Common uses:This is the category for any plastic that does not fall under the #1-#6. This may include certain kinds of food containers and Tupperware. Recycling centers cannot recycle plastic #7. Look for alternatives.
Those of us within the Atlantic Poly Environtech Division like to think of ourselves as subject matter experts on recycling. We manufacture and distribute multiple forms of plastic products. We know the characteristics and which types to utilize in any commercial or domestic application. So call us anytime you have questions.
Plastic #1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE)
Common uses:Cooking oil bottles, 2 liter soda bottles, peanut butter jars. This is the most widely recycled plastic and often has redemption value.
Plastic #2: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Common uses: Heavy duty liners, detergent bottles, milk jugs, Heavy Duty HDPE Polyethylene plastic sheeting. A common plastic that is used, and recycled on a daily basis.
Plastic #3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Common uses: shrink wrap, salad dressing containers,plastic pipes, outdoor furniture, water bottles, and liquid detergent containers.
Plastic #4: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Common uses:Plastic Sheeting used in construction, trash can liners, dry cleaning bags, produce bags, food storage containers.
Plastic #5: Polypropylene (PP)
Common uses:Open top containers (sour cream, yogurt) bottle caps, drinking straws. Recycling centers almost never take #5 plastic.
Plastic #6: Polystyrene (PS)
Common uses:To-go "clam shell" containers, packaging pellets or "Styrofoam peanuts," cups, plastic tableware, and meat trays,. Many shipping/packaging stores will accept polystyrene peanuts and other packaging materials for reuse. Cups, meat trays, and other containers that have come in contact with food are more difficult to recycle.
Plastic #7: Other
Common uses:This is the category for any plastic that does not fall under the #1-#6. This may include certain kinds of food containers and Tupperware. Recycling centers cannot recycle plastic #7. Look for alternatives.
Those of us within the Atlantic Poly Environtech Division like to think of ourselves as subject matter experts on recycling. We manufacture and distribute multiple forms of plastic products. We know the characteristics and which types to utilize in any commercial or domestic application. So call us anytime you have questions.
Insight On The Chemical Make Up Of Polyethylene And Its Uses
Darren Kincaid - Monday, August 23, 2010
In
this blog post we'd like to share with you the chemical strands and
uses of polyethylene. Polyethylene, as we commonly know and popularly
use at almost every purpose, is the most flexible, durable and
chemically resistant material. Going by its chemical structures, you
will find is made up of polyethylene molecules. According to structural
variations, polyethylene molecules can broadly be differentiated into
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
LDPE is used in making plastic bags and other packaging materials while
HDPE is used in developing containers, pipes, laundry detergent bottles,
etc.
The polymers of High Density Polyethylene molecules are more opaque, stronger, harder and slightly heavier than Low Density Polyethylene. It is broadly composed of Carbon and Hydrogen. The other recycled polymeric ingredients of HDPE have made it a perfect component for pyrotechnics trade. Carbon black or UV-stabilizers are commonly used to make them resistant to weather and other reactive solvents.HDPE has a wide variety of industrial application in consumer products like, liquid distributor pipe, channels for domestic water supply, natural gas distributors, inner cable insulators, corrosion protectors for pipelines, plastic lumbers, sheds, ducts for telecoms and other cell liners for homogeneous supply and extrusions. HDPE is readily available in various forms like sheet or tubes for fabrication.
Another most popular nonmetallic polymer used in the poly industry is the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). While we don't really deal with PVC, as it is mainly use for pipe-lining, we will be glad to offer you some insight into PVC. When used in underground pressure piping, PVC differs greatly in terms of strength, price of material, installation cost, and connection procedure.
But in terms of widespread industrial applications, Polyethylene is king. Both polyethylene materials (HDPE and LDPE) have successful track records in terms of capacity and utility rating. In fact, innumerable industries and consumers are getting massive cost of production benefit from the growing usability of polyethylene products...from plastic bags, to water tanks, domestic and commercial pipeline distribution, and other applications too numerous to mention.
The polymers of High Density Polyethylene molecules are more opaque, stronger, harder and slightly heavier than Low Density Polyethylene. It is broadly composed of Carbon and Hydrogen. The other recycled polymeric ingredients of HDPE have made it a perfect component for pyrotechnics trade. Carbon black or UV-stabilizers are commonly used to make them resistant to weather and other reactive solvents.HDPE has a wide variety of industrial application in consumer products like, liquid distributor pipe, channels for domestic water supply, natural gas distributors, inner cable insulators, corrosion protectors for pipelines, plastic lumbers, sheds, ducts for telecoms and other cell liners for homogeneous supply and extrusions. HDPE is readily available in various forms like sheet or tubes for fabrication.
Another most popular nonmetallic polymer used in the poly industry is the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). While we don't really deal with PVC, as it is mainly use for pipe-lining, we will be glad to offer you some insight into PVC. When used in underground pressure piping, PVC differs greatly in terms of strength, price of material, installation cost, and connection procedure.
But in terms of widespread industrial applications, Polyethylene is king. Both polyethylene materials (HDPE and LDPE) have successful track records in terms of capacity and utility rating. In fact, innumerable industries and consumers are getting massive cost of production benefit from the growing usability of polyethylene products...from plastic bags, to water tanks, domestic and commercial pipeline distribution, and other applications too numerous to mention.
Slip Manufacturing Defined and Discussed
Darren Kincaid - Monday, August 16, 2010
Most
of our blog posts have information about our products, how they work,
or just the general specifications about polyethylene. We talked briefly
about the history of how poly bags came to be and how they are widely
used. In this blog we're going to get a bit technical to inform you what
“slip” is and how it is manufactured in plastics. If you have never
heard of slip before, we believe you’ll find this blog to be quite
enlightening.
Slip is an organic chemical that is added to the blend during film extrusion process to modify the coefficient of friction or COF. COF is a measurement of the amount of friction between two surfaces as they begin to slide and as they continue to drag against one another. The amount of energy it takes to put an object in motion is always greater than the amount of energy that it takes to keep it moving while it is in motion. Although there are a number of chemicals that are used to modify the COF, the two main ones used in Polyethylene and Polypropylene are Erucamide (which is considered a slow bloom) and Oleamide (which is a fast bloom.) The materials are sometimes called primary amides.
Slip is a very efficient molecule it has been added to a plastic film in very low concentrations typically 500 to 1500 parts per million. The slip additive can be let down at the levels of 1 to 3% by weight in blending while extruding the plastic film. Slip molecules are very low in molecular weight as compared to the polymer in which they are used. These molecules are somewhat incompatible because of their nature. This means the material is bi-polar and has one end that has a positive charge and the other has a neutral charge. This incompatibility causes the molecule to migrate referred to as bloom through the polymer to the surface of the plastic film. The more slip that migrates on the surface the lower the COF and the more slippery the plastic film becomes.
The COF relates to packaging because the substrates used to package objects always come in contact with other surfaces or themselves. As most packaging operations are very high speed, COF plays a very large role. The packaging material must have just the right COF in order to track properly on the packaging machines. If a material is too slippery the film will not track properly and may cause issues such as bad sealing or cause a powdery substance that builds up on the tracking rolls which will cause packaging failures. If a material becomes too sticky it can have the opposite effect listed above. It may not allow the film to un-wind properly and cause web brakes or other tracking problems. Either scenario can shut a packaging line down.
We enjoy educating our clients and the general public and appreciate your positive feedback for doing this. An educated consumer benefits us all. And of course, we always welcome your questions and feedback.
Slip is an organic chemical that is added to the blend during film extrusion process to modify the coefficient of friction or COF. COF is a measurement of the amount of friction between two surfaces as they begin to slide and as they continue to drag against one another. The amount of energy it takes to put an object in motion is always greater than the amount of energy that it takes to keep it moving while it is in motion. Although there are a number of chemicals that are used to modify the COF, the two main ones used in Polyethylene and Polypropylene are Erucamide (which is considered a slow bloom) and Oleamide (which is a fast bloom.) The materials are sometimes called primary amides.
Slip is a very efficient molecule it has been added to a plastic film in very low concentrations typically 500 to 1500 parts per million. The slip additive can be let down at the levels of 1 to 3% by weight in blending while extruding the plastic film. Slip molecules are very low in molecular weight as compared to the polymer in which they are used. These molecules are somewhat incompatible because of their nature. This means the material is bi-polar and has one end that has a positive charge and the other has a neutral charge. This incompatibility causes the molecule to migrate referred to as bloom through the polymer to the surface of the plastic film. The more slip that migrates on the surface the lower the COF and the more slippery the plastic film becomes.
The COF relates to packaging because the substrates used to package objects always come in contact with other surfaces or themselves. As most packaging operations are very high speed, COF plays a very large role. The packaging material must have just the right COF in order to track properly on the packaging machines. If a material is too slippery the film will not track properly and may cause issues such as bad sealing or cause a powdery substance that builds up on the tracking rolls which will cause packaging failures. If a material becomes too sticky it can have the opposite effect listed above. It may not allow the film to un-wind properly and cause web brakes or other tracking problems. Either scenario can shut a packaging line down.
We enjoy educating our clients and the general public and appreciate your positive feedback for doing this. An educated consumer benefits us all. And of course, we always welcome your questions and feedback.
Atlantic Poly Provides A Brief History On Polyethylene
Darren Kincaid - Monday, August 09, 2010
The
history of manufactured plastics goes back more than 100 years;
however, when compared to other materials, plastics are relatively
modern. Their usage over the past century has enabled society to make
huge technological advances. Although plastics are thought of as a
modern invention, there have always been "natural polymers" such as
amber, tortoise shells and animal horns. These materials behaved very
much like today's manufactured plastics and were often used similar to
the way manufactured plastics are currently applied. For example, before
the sixteenth century, animal horns, which become transparent and pale
yellow when heated, were sometimes used to replace glass.
Alexander Parkes unveiled the first man-made plastic at the 1862 Great International Exhibition in London. This material -- which was dubbed Parkesine, now called celluloid -- was an organic material derived from cellulose that once heated could be molded but retained its shape when cooled. Parkes claimed that this new material could do anything that rubber was capable of, yet at a lower price. He had discovered a material that could be transparent as well as carved into thousands of different shapes. Then in 1907, chemist Leo Hendrik Baekland, while striving to produce a synthetic varnish, stumbled upon the formula for a new synthetic polymer originating from coal tar. Baekland had coined "plastics" as the term to describe this completely new category of materials.
The first patent for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a substance now used widely in vinyl siding and water pipes, was registered in 1914. Cellophane was also discovered during this period.
Plastics did not really take off until after the First World War, with the use of petroleum, a substance easier to process than coal into raw materials. Plastics served as substitutes for wood, glass and metal during the hardship times of World War's I & II. After World War II, newer plastics, such as polyurethane, polyester, silicones, and polypropylene joined PVC in widespread applications. Many more would follow and by the 1960s, plastics were within everyone's reach due to their inexpensive cost. Plastics had thus come to be considered 'common' - a symbol of the consumer society.
Alexander Parkes unveiled the first man-made plastic at the 1862 Great International Exhibition in London. This material -- which was dubbed Parkesine, now called celluloid -- was an organic material derived from cellulose that once heated could be molded but retained its shape when cooled. Parkes claimed that this new material could do anything that rubber was capable of, yet at a lower price. He had discovered a material that could be transparent as well as carved into thousands of different shapes. Then in 1907, chemist Leo Hendrik Baekland, while striving to produce a synthetic varnish, stumbled upon the formula for a new synthetic polymer originating from coal tar. Baekland had coined "plastics" as the term to describe this completely new category of materials.
The first patent for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a substance now used widely in vinyl siding and water pipes, was registered in 1914. Cellophane was also discovered during this period.
Plastics did not really take off until after the First World War, with the use of petroleum, a substance easier to process than coal into raw materials. Plastics served as substitutes for wood, glass and metal during the hardship times of World War's I & II. After World War II, newer plastics, such as polyurethane, polyester, silicones, and polypropylene joined PVC in widespread applications. Many more would follow and by the 1960s, plastics were within everyone's reach due to their inexpensive cost. Plastics had thus come to be considered 'common' - a symbol of the consumer society.
Atlantic Poly Plastic Bags have many uses
Darren Kincaid - Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Atlantic
Poly’s polyethylene bags are popular and commonly required items. These
bags are also known as clear poly bags and are always available with an
opening at the top. They are mainly required for packaging purposes,
and these bags can be heat-sealed or secured with a bag-tie. These bags
are useful for many needs, such as:
- For the storage and protection of art and furniture
- Packing of electronic parts
- For the packing of garment and bedding covers
- Bags for waste disposal
- To pack goods that are in transit
- Retail display
- Sale of goods at craft and pet shops
- To package food and medical devices
- Bags for freezer grade