Basell has developed a new-generation polypropylene random copolymer, Clyrell RC 1314 resin, which addresses growing customer needs for more demanding performance in transparent blown film applications.
Based on Basell’s Spherizone process technology, Clyrell RC 1314 resin achieves a unique combination of optical properties, high stiffness, low gel and odour levels, and good sealing performance for customers’ laminated film and transparent food packaging film applications, according to Nicolas Kokel, film innovation and value manager for Basell Polyolefins Europe.
“We demonstrated the resin’s impressive optical properties under high throughput extrusion conditions at last year’s Kunststoffe 2004 fair in Düsseldorf,” said Kokel. “In co-operation with Hosokawa-Alpine, a 30µm three-layer blown film was produced at 390 kg/h throughput with true polypropylene-like clarity.”
Designed for use in side layers, customers have reported that Clyrell RC 1314 resin is processed into blown film without a visible crystallisation line or film structure, and with impressive transparency devoid of a milky taint.
In Basell’s high clarity film trials, various three-layer co-extruded structures were produced. The internal polyolefin layer is based on a combination of polypropylene, polyethylene and advanced polyolefins to meet demanding application requirements. High clarity thin film is used in packaging baked goods, biscuits and vegetables as well as textile products.
”The addition of Clyrell RC 1314 resin to our product portfolio demonstrates Basell’s continuous leadership in the development of polypropylene-based blown film resins,” said Kokel. “The resin is based on our state-of-the-art Spherizone process technology through which the envelope of polypropylene performance is continuously expanded.”
The new resin has a high thermal resistance and allows for the introduction of a thermal sealing gradient. In combination with a low gel level, these characteristics enable the flexible design of lamination film at variable thicknesses. Potential applications include retortable food pouches, hygienic packaging and large pet food bags.
Clyrell RC 1314 resin, combined with a barrier material such as polyamide or EVOH, provides customers with easily sealable vacuum-formed blisters that exhibit reduced curling, good puncture resistance and the ability to substitute an external polyamide layer with a polypropylene layer while retaining original packaging stiffness and clarity.
Basell is the world's largest producer of polypropylene and advanced polyolefin products, a leading supplier of polyethylene and catalysts, and a global leader in the development and licensing of polypropylene and polyethylene processes. Basell, together with its joint ventures, has manufacturing facilities around the world and sells products in more than 120 countries. Additional information about Basell is available at www.basell.com.
For more information contact Michelle Talmo, Basell Corporate Communications, at +1 410 996 1366, +1 302 438 6574 or michelle.talmo@basell.com. To obtain a data sheet and more product details, visit www.basell.com, or contact your local Basell sales location (sales office contact info can also be found at www.basell.com)
