The Effect of Polymer Properties on the Mechanical Behavior and Morphological Characteristics of Cast Polyethylene Film for Stretch and Cling Film Applications

Abstract

Polyethylene films, prepared from a range of mLLDPE, LLDPE, and ULDPE resins containing 4% polyisobutylene (PIB) from a masterbatch, are manufactured using a Killion cast film extrusion system. FTIR, DSC, and mechanical analysis techniques are used to investigate the effect of comonomer type, density, and melt flow index (MFI) on the mechanical performance, orientation, and crystallinity of these films. The study established that comonomer type and MFI are the greatest factors influencing the mechanical performance and crystallinity. Crystallinity has been found to be the most influential factor governing PIB migration in these films and this in turn is related to polymer type, density, and MFI.