Exfola™

Exfola™ is valued for its ability to modify the surface properties of injection molded parts and extruded articles. The unique features of Exfola™ include:

• Excellent compatibility with polyolefins, from the Exfola™ polyethylene block
• Outstanding Oil / Water Repellency from the Exfola™ silicone block
• Exceptional “slippery properties” from the Exfola™ silicone block

The oil and water repellency properties offered by Exfola™ may be demonstrated by Surface Free Energy measurement. The addition of 10% Exfola™ to homopolymer polypropylene, and to EVA reduced the measured Surface Free Energy to levels approaching that of PTFE.

The “slippery properties” offered by Exfola™ may be demonstrated by Coefficient of Dynamic Friction (COF) measurement. The addition of 10% Exfola™ to homopolymer polypropylene reduced the measured COF by nearly 70%.

Exfola™ was added to polypropylene (PP) film, and peel strength was measured against an acrylic adhesive layer. The addition of 15% Exfola™ on polypropylene film yielded peel strength below that of silicone coated PET film.

The demonstrated improvement in releasability finds application in adhesive protective film that requires easy-release on its back side. The potential to replace silicone coating processes with Exfola™ offers economic and sustainability benefits in release film applications.

Due to its polyethylene (PE) block, Exfola™ demonstrates excellent compatibility with polyolefins. As a result, Exfola™ additivated articles or films offer minimal silicone transfer or bleed out, compared to silicone coating. This makes Exfola™ an outstanding choice for applications requiring high surface purity.

Cooking oil colored with black ink was poured into heat-sealed flexible packages. The packages were constructed with 2-layer polypropylene (PP) film. The inner layer was 5 microns thick, and the outer layer was 45 microns thick. The packages were vigorously shaken for two minutes, and movement of the liquid was observed.

Two versions of the 2-layer package were produced. One version was constructed with 10% Exfola™ in the 5-micron polypropylene (PP) inner layer. The second version was constructed with no Exfola™ in the inner layer. Cooking oil was observed clinging to the inner surface of the 2-layer PP film packages made without Exfola™. Dramatic improvement was seen in the package made with Exfola™.

The results indicate Exfola™ can demonstrate value in flexible packaging applications, as well as in rigid containers for cosmetics.

The addition of Exfola™ to polypropylene or polyethylene can significantly improve the wear resistance of injection molded parts, or extruded articles. Exfola™ was added to polypropylene (PP) injection molded disks at 3% and 10% loading. Wear resistance was measured by the rotation of a metal cylinder placed on the injection molded disks.