Subject: Polyvel’s Additive Masterbatches for use in Polypropylene Nonwovens
The manufacture of nonwoven fabrics is a highly engineered process. Inclusive in the term nonwovens can be staple fiber, various continuous fibers, and combinations thereof. As it applies to polymers,
Subject: Polyvel’s Additive Masterbatches for use in Polypropylene Nonwovens
The manufacture of nonwoven fabrics is a highly engineered process. Inclusive in the term nonwovens
can be staple fiber, various continuous fibers, and combinations thereof. As it applies to polymers,
applications include medical gowns, gloves, wipes, wound dressings, filters, hygiene products, and
geotextiles such as roofing membranes and barrier materials. Applications advancement remains an
area of heavy development.
For over 30 years Polyvel has supplied additives into this industry for various property enhancements.
Particularly for polypropylene (PP) nonwovens, Polyvel’s peroxide concentrates, softening agents,
hydrophilics, and hydrophobics are widely used. All of Polyvel’s products are dry, non-dusty pellets that
feed easily with all standard pellet feeders or blend with PP. Polymeric carriers are used that match the
rheology of the application – this is done to efficiently distribute and disperse the additive packages.
Peroxides are used to control the melt viscosity of various polymers through a process initiated by free
radicals. In the extrusion process the peroxide molecule is ‘activated’ or thermally degraded, creating a
free radical that will interact with the polymer. In the case of PP, the effect is chain scission. Polyvel’s
peroxide concentrates are used to modify low melt flow PP (typically spun bond grades) for use in the
melt blown process.
NH-P01 is Polyvel’s softening agent masterbatch. This additive masterbatch is used to improve the hand
of PP nonwoven fabric, in both spun bond and melt blown processes. Applications for this type of
additive include wipes, diaper backings, and other skin contact areas.
Un-modified, polypropylene has very little affinity to water and Polyvel has developed an additive
package to overcome this. There are three hydrophilic products, each with a ‘specialization.’ VW352
matches the rheology profile of a spun bond process, VW452 provides the same benefit for melt blown
processes, and VW552 is a highly loaded masterbatch specific to cost sensitive projects.
Through a joint-venture with Goulston Technologies (Monroe, NC), we’ve brought an alcohol repellent
to the market named HydRepel. Again, several grades are available to match the melt rheology of the
application. The standard test for alcohol repellency is outlined by INDA 80.8, and ratings of 8 to 9 are
achievable.
Polyvel’s offerings to the polypropylene nonwovens industry can be summarized below.
Product Function Information
CR20PXG (granular)
CR20PX2 (pellet)
Controlled rheology Raises melt flow of polypropylene
NH-P01 Softening Improves hand of fabric
VW352 (SB)
VW452 (MB)
VW552 (high loading)
Hydrophilic Makes PP absorbent to water
HydRepel Hydrophobic Allows PP to repel alcohol-based solutions
Polyvel offers unique and market driven additive concentrates to the entire plastic processing industry.
