Tensile strength films

The response of polymer film properties to plasticizer addition level is not necessarily linear, so optimal concentration must be determined in most cases. In general, increasing the concentration of plasticizer will increase film elongation and permeability, and decrease tensile strength. Film toughness and adhesion, however, will increase to a maximum and then decrease. 

Figure 7 gives the results of an experiment in which freestanding films were exposed to constant elevated temperatures in air-circulating ovens for periods of weeks to months the failure criterion was a 50% loss in tensile strength. Because the test is destmctive, each data point (failure time at a given... 

BiaxiaHy oriented films have excellent tensile strength properties and good tear and impact properties. They are especially well regarded for their brilliance and clarity. Essentially all poly(ethylene terephthalate) film is biaxiaHy oriented, and more than 80% of polypropylene film is biaxiaHy oriented. Polystyrene film is oriented, and a lesser amount of polyethylene, polyamide, poly(vinyl chloride), and other polymers are so processed. Some of the specialty films, like polyimides (qv), are also oriented. 

Weathering. Articles fabricated from FEP are unaffected by weather, and thek resistance to extreme heat, cold, and uv kradiation suits them for apphcations in radar and other electronic components. For example, after 15 years of solar exposure in Florida, the tensile strength (73) and light transmission (96%) of a 25-p.m thick film was unchanged and the film remained crystal clear. Elongation increased slightly for the first 5 to 7 years of outdoor exposure, probably as a result of stress relaxation. Beyond 10 years, a small decrease was observed. 

Linear Low Density Polyethylene. Films from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) resias have 75% higher tensile strength, 50% higher elongation-to-break strength, and a slightly higher but broader heat-seal initiation temperature than do films from LDPE. Impact and puncture resistance are also improved over LDPE. Water-vapor and gas-permeation properties are similar to those of LDPE films. 

Extmsion of polyethylene and some polypropylenes is usually through a circular die into a tubular form, which is cut and collapsed into flat film. Extmsion through a linear slot onto chilled rollers is called casting and is often used for polypropylene, polyester, and other resins. Cast, as well as some blown, films may be further heated and stretched in the machine or in transverse directions to orient the polymer within the film and improve physical properties such as tensile strength, stiffness, and low temperature resistance. 

Film. By far the largest appHcation for LLDPE resins (over 60% in the United States) is film. Because LLDPE film has high tensile strength and puncture resistance, it is able to compete with HDPE film for many uses. The toughness and low temperature properties of LLDPE film also exceed those of conventional LDPE. Furthermore, because LLDPE resins exhibit relatively low strain hardening in the molten state and lower extensional viscosity, it can be produced at high rates with Httle risk of bubble breaks. 

Film. Blown film manufactured from PB has a high tensile strength and exhibits good resistance to tear, impact, and puncture (47). Such film also exhibits hard-elastic behavior that is, it can recover its original length even after extensive stretching. Some properties of PB film are given in Table 5. 

Plastic film Melting point, °C Moisture absorption, % Tensile strength, MPa " Ultimate elongation, % Coefficient of thermal expansion, 10-%K Dissipation factor at 1 kH2 Dielectric constant at 1 kHz Dielectric strength, MV/m Cost factor... 

A third criterion for the proper formulation of house paints is volume soHds level. Paint with low volume soHds are characterized by poor adhesion and poor exterior durabiUty. A low volume soHds paint film does not have the tensile strength properties necessary for good adhesion found in a higher volume soHds paint (10). Also, any slight dismption or imperfection in the dried paint film or in the appHcation of a low volume soHds paint can result in poor durabiHty properties. 

Film or fibers derived from low molecular weight polymer tend to embrittle on immersion ia acetone those based on higher molecular weight polymer (>0.60 dL/g) become opaque, dilated, and elastomeric. When a dilated sample is stretched and dried, it retains orientation and is crystalline, exhibiting enhanced tensile strength. The tensile heat-distortion temperature of the crystalline film is iacreased by about 20°C, and the gas permeabiUty and resistance to solvent attack is iacreased. 

The molecular orientation of the polymer in a fabricated specimen can significantly alter the stress—strain data as compared with the data obtained for an isotropic specimen, eg, one obtained by compression mol ding. For example, tensile strengths as high as 120 MPa (18,000 psi) have been reported for PS films and fibers (8). PS tensile strengths below 14 MPa (2000 psi) have been obtained in the direction perpendicular to the flow. 

A variation of the preceding process is used to produce oriented vinyUdene chloride copolymer films. The plastic is extmded into tube form and then is supercooled and subsequently biaxiaHy oriented in a continuous bubble process. The supercooled tube is flattened and passed through two sets of pinch roUs, which are arranged so that the second set of roUs travels faster than the first set. Between the two sets, air is injected into the tube to create a bubble that is entrapped by the pinch roUs. The entrapped air bubble remains stationary while the extmded tube is oriented as it passes around the bubble. Orientation is produced in the transverse and the longitudinal directions, creating excellent tensile strength, elongation, and flexibiUty in the film. The commercial procedure has been described (157). 

The excellent chemical resistance and physical properties of PVA resins have resulted in broad industrial use. The polymer is an excellent adhesive and possesses solvent-, oil-, and grease-resistant properties matched by few other polymers. Poly(vinyl alcohol) films exhibit high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and oxygen barrier properties which, under dry conditions, are superior to those of any other known polymer. The polymer s low surface tension provides for excellent emulsification and protective coUoid properties. 

Fig. 8. Tensile strength as a function of relative humidity for fully hydroly2ed poly(vinyl alcohol) films, where A represents DP = 2400 B, DP = 1700 and...

---