The Use of Polybutene in Polyolefin Cling Film

Polyolefin stretch films are increasingly being used to secure pallet loads. A new method of applying these films results in the films being stretched about 200 % and thus causes them to lose much of their cling property. This paper describes the effects of using polybutene additives in two types, butene-1 and octene-1, of linear low den sity polyethylene (LLDPE) films made by the blown film and cast film processes. Data shows that the polybutene incorporation can provide adequate cling properties after stretching the film by 200 % ; these films also show improvement in several other properties including tear resistance, haze, and Spencer impact.