High-clarity multilayer films offer superior barrier properties, strong adhesion and extensibility, and very low production costs. In recent years, market demand for these films has grown steadily, with applications expanding across food packaging, agriculture, and other sectors.
Despite the strong market for blow-molded and extruded films at all grades, production challenges continue to surface. Because these films consist of multiple layers, different polymer materials mix during processing, and their rheological properties can interact ??ultimately degrading the overall film clarity.
After analyzing market development trends, global diversified technology company 3M recently invested in building an experimental facility equipped with a three-layer film extrusion line. The new facility was established specifically to better study the performance of multilayer plastic films and deliver improved product solutions to customers.
Addressing the clarity problems encountered in multilayer film production, 3M has introduced its new Dynamar brand polymer additive as a solution. This novel additive not only protects the transparency of multilayer films from degradation but also enhances the overall surface performance of the film. However, before large-scale commercial production can begin, 3M needs to conduct repeated testing to validate the additive’s performance characteristics.
Currently, 3M’s film production experts are gathered at the experimental facility, using the new film production line to test the Dynamar brand additive under real-world processing conditions.
References
- Wikipedia: Multilayer Plastic Film: Overview of multilayer film technology and applications
- Wikipedia: 3M: Company profile of 3M, a global diversified technology leader
- 3M: Packaging Solutions: Official 3M packaging and film solutions portfolio
- ASTM D882 ??Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting: Standard test method for plastic film properties
- Flexible Packaging Association (FPA): Industry association for flexible packaging technology developments