MEMPHIS, TN (January 8, 2010) – Thomas Breuer, Senior Research Chemist, will be presenting a paper on February 23 at 8:00 am at the session entitled Polyolefins for Durable Applications at the forthcoming SPE International Polyolefins Conference.
His paper is entitled “Fatty Amide Slip and Antiblock Agents: Facilitating Polyolefin Applications.” It will be a review of how these additives work, what they can do for manufacturers of polyolefin articles, and how to best use them. An abstract follows. Abstract: Many applications for polyolefins depend on the use of fatty amides to achieve various purposes. In order to facilitate such applications and avoid problems, it is useful to understand as much as possible about their properties, characteristics and functioning. This discussion centers on the various fatty amides and available information to help in selecting and applying the amides to polyolefin products.
The amides themselves and their basic chemistry and functionality are reviewed. Data is presented on their migration to the polymer surface and the effects resulting from the amide structures that form on the surface. Discussion of effects on injection molding and extrusion processing, including mold release, internal and external lubricity, and slip and antiblock effects is included. Surface modification effects and interactions with some other types of additives are discussed. The intent is to provide sufficient basic understanding to assist in effective use of these materials in polyolefin formulations.