Fluorine-Free Processing Aid for Blown PE Films

A new regulatory-compliant, fluorine-free processing aid has been introduced by Techmer PM. The new HiTerra T5 was designed primarily for blown PE films but it can be customized for a variety of polyolefins. The company is also seeing success in other applications and processes. (Meanwhile, a fluorine-free processing aid for nylon is also currently in development and Techmer PM is actively looking for collaboration partners such as brand owners and processors.)

Traditional polymer processing aids do a good job of minimizing or eliminating melt fracture, affecting the appearance and physical properties of blown and cast films. However, such technologies are now in the crosshairs of major brand owners because of their fluorine chemistry. Techmer PM’s regulatory and technical teams have been helping their customers navigate this emerging issue of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFAS (perfluorinated alkylated substances) compliance. Known as the “forever chemicals,” PFOAs and PFAS are chemicals of health concern and are detected at trace levels in traditional processing aids.

HiTerra T5 has been shown to addresses melt fractures without fluorinated chemicals. Moreover, it reportedly does not interfere with other performance additives like UV stabilizers or antiblocking agents, and meets the new EPA guidelines. Said Techmer PM’s v.p. of technology Dr. Bhushan Deshpande, “The quality of film our team was able to produce surpassed our expectations, creating films with higher clarity than proven incumbent technologies. We are thrilled with the performance of our new HiTerra T5 and even more delighted that our customers will now be able to create the highest quality film while meeting their fluorine-free goals”.

Noting that HiTerra T5 scores important wins in safety, sustainability, and process improvement and the company has already seen several large-scale commercial successes and are ready to support incoming demand, Rodney Weaver,  Techmer PM’s market manager for flexible packaging & films said, “No longer will plastic film extruders be limited to using fluorinated chemicals, which have now been classified as hazardous substances by the EPA.”