PROPRIEDADES E APLICAÇÃO INDUSTRIAL DE BLENDAS POLIMÉRICAS DE POLIETILENO EM EMBALAGENS FLEXÍVEIS

Abstract

This study discusses the professional experience gained in a flexible packaging industry in the area of research and development. This type of industry is part of the third generation of the petrochemical chain and plays an important role in the Brazilian industrial scenario, being responsible for billions of reais in turnover every year, driven mainly by the consumer goods production sector. In this sense, polyethylene is currently one of the main polymers used in the production of films and bags, usually through mixtures, called polymer blends. Blends are compositions that combine different types of resins with a certain degree of compatibility, such as HDPE, LDPE and LLDPE. These blends are used according to the purpose of the finished product, to improve processability or to improve the properties of the material produced. Blends can be used in mono or co-extrusion processes, so it is important to look at parameters such as additives, melting temperature, flow index, density, tensile strength, elongation at break, impact resistance, tear resistance, opacity and gloss of the resins used, considering the contribution of each one to the formulation. After all, all subsequent stages are affected by the quality and performance of the film formed. In conclusion, it can be seen that research and development is a crucial factor in assessing three key points that contribute to strategic decision-making: the characteristics and parameters of the polymers used in the blends, the processability of the material, from extrusion to finishing, and the end use.