Compatibilizer system for extruded polyethylene foam and film

This paper discusses the processing/product benefits of adding additives to extruded polyethylene (PE) foam and film. Low-density polyethylene foam (over 30 times expansion) requires adequate cooling to stabilize the melt/gas system for optimal foaming efficiency. The presence of a small portion of high melting polyethylenes (i.e. LLDPE, HDPE) causes flow instability after cooling, resulting in surface defects in finished products. We found that the addition of metal oxide and fatty acid ester improved processing latitude and foam product quality. This formula was also tested in film processes at various ratios of LD/LLD/HD with promising results. It appears that this formula can allow us to accommodate post consumer resin (PCR) and to take advantage of PE price variations.