Paper-like filled polyethylene films

Filled high-density-polyethylene (HDPE) films for packaging applications have been developed. These films are of low permeability, are water and grease resistant, and can be heat-sealed like HDPE films but have stiffness, deadfold, cuttability, and appearance similar to those of paper. The films are produced in thicknesses of 10 to 100 + μm by the standard film blowing technique. The effect of the filler type, resin parameters, and film blowing process variables on the resultant filled film properties is discussed. The commercialization of filled films and the market acceptance of the products is also briefly elaborated upon.