FreeFlow Z150™

Fluoroelastomers

Technical Information
Introduction
Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z Technology process aids forpolyolefins are designed to greatly contribute toeliminating melt fracture, decreasing die pressure,
lowering amperage and torque, and reducing die lipbuildup during extrusion processes. When launched, theZ Technology created a revolution in the market andan ultimate breakthrough in the polymer processing
aid arena.
The Z Technology takes advantage of proprietary,advanced rheology that controls the particle sizedelivered to the die and combines it with specificinterfacial agents such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) in
Z100 and Z110 products and polycaprolactone in Z200
and Z210 products. Z products provide a highly efficient
process aid that outperforms amidst a broad range ofextrusion conditions, even with the most challenging
formulations.
After proving its unique performance, Viton™ FreeFlow™
Z Technology product line has been extended with Viton™
FreeFlow™ Z150, commonly called the “broad capability”
processing aid. This new product enhances polyolefin
processing in medium to high shear rate and also provides
faster coating in shear rate conditions as low as 80 sec–1.
Traditional processing aids have limited effect in low shear
rate conditions, especially in the presence of antagonists
such as anti-blocks. Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 can be usedin wide die gap film extrusion and in pipe extrusion, even in
demanding formulations.
Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 uses the Z Technology concept
tailored to perform in broader processing windows while
retaining key benefits, such as lower dosage, faster melt
fracture clearing, reduced die buildup, and lower diepressure, without affecting output.

Figures 1–4 illustrate the effects of Viton™ FreeFlow™
Z150 added at 400 ppm through a 2% masterbatch in alinear low density polyethylene C4 resin (MFR 1 g/10 min,
190 °C [374 °F], 2.16 kg). It is compared to two commer­
cial PPAs: second generation (PPA-A) and third generation(PPA-B), respectively.
The performance is evaluated with a semi-industrial scale
blown film line at different shear rates, in clear resin and in
the presence of anti-block (talc) added at 3000 ppm with
a 20% masterbatch.
Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 has been designed to fulfill unmet
requirements—not only in challenging formulations,but also to solve issues in much broader processing
conditions.
Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 is well suited for:• Direct dosage during production of gas phase LLDPE(1.0 MI or more)• Dosage during production of solution phase LLDPE(either direct or via masterbatch)• Low concentration masterbatches (typically, 2%process aid) in LLDPE carrier (5 MI or less); can be up to4% in highly concentrated masterbatch• Extrusion that promotes moderate or low mixing
conditions, such as high wide die gap or pipe extrusion• All extrusion processes using 3 MI or less LLDPE,mLLDPE or HDPE, LLDPE/LDPE blends, or LLDPE/LDPE blends, including also high pigment or anti-blockloadings

Viton™ FreeFlow™

Fluoroelastomers

Low Shear Rate Conditions (119 sec–1)

High Shear Rate Conditions (461 sec–1)

Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 eliminates melt fracture faster, ascompared to other PPAs.

Among clear resin, Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 eliminates
melt fracture more than other PPAs.

In the presence of anti-block, Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150
eliminates melt fracture faster than other PPAs.

In the presence of anti-block, Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150
makes clear film without affecting the output.

Figure 1. Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 vs. Other PPAFigure 3. Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 vs. Other PPA

Shear rate: 119 sec
Active PPA content: 400 ppm–1

Resin: LLDPE C4 1 MI

Shear rate: 461 sec–1
Active PPA content: 400 ppm
100

Remaining Melt Fracture, %Remaining Melt Fracture, %100
Viton FreeFlow Z150
PPA-B (FE + PEG)
PPA-A (FE + PEG)™

80™

604020010305070604020090

Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150PPA-B (FE + PEG)
PPA-A (FE + PEG)

80

1030Time, min

Shear rate: 119 sec–1
Active PPA content: 400 ppm

7090

Figure 4. Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 vs. Other PPA

Resin: LLDPE C4 1 MI
Talc anti-block: 3000 ppm

Shear rate: 461 sec–1
Active PPA content: 400 ppm

Resin: LLDPE C4 1 MI
Talc anti-block: 3000 ppm

100

Remaining Melt Fracture, %100

Remaining Melt Fracture, %50Time, min

Figure 2. Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 vs. Other PPA

8060
Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 + AB
PPA-B (FE + PEG) + AB
PPA-A (FE + PEG) + AB40200Resin: LLDPE C4 1 MI

103050Time, min70908060
Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 + AB
PPA-B (FE + PEG) + AB
PPA-A (FE + PEG) + AB

40200103050Time, min7090

Viton™ FreeFlow™

Fluoroelastomers

Advantages

Formulation Guidelines• Improved rates of conditioning during start-up of new
formulations on clean dies or purged systems

To assist in resin formulation, the following can be used asa general guide:• Improved performance on difficult lines, where otherprocess aids require high levels in the broadest range ofshear rateElimination of Sharkskin Melt Fracture, ppm• Improved additive efficiency, particularly on lines wherefrequent formula changes are made or in formulas
containing multiple additives• Improved economics• Extended running time between die cleanings• Approved for many food contact uses* and suitable forpotable water appliances**

In standard film resins

400–600

In heavily filled or pigmented film

600–900

Reduction of die buildup, ppm

100–200

Levels are parts per million Viton FreeFlow Z150.
™

™

These numbers are intended to be starting points for formulation. The actual level required
will depend on a multitude of factors.

Typical Physical Properties
Appearance

White, free-flowing powder

Packaging

20-kg bag

Shelf Life, yr

4**Normal storage conditions—dry, unopened, temperature below 27 °C (80 °F)* Manufacturer or marketer of products or articles in contact with food must meet
applicable food contact regulations. Contact Chemours for details regarding
suitability of Viton™ FreeFlow™ products in specific food contact applications.
**Appliance manufacturer or marketer is responsible for ensuring appliance meetsrequirements for potable water use.

Safety and Handling
Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 is considered safe material
to handle. It is stable at the temperatures at which
polyolefins are formulated and processed. However,prior to the use of Viton™ FreeFlow™ Z150 in polyolefins,review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and follow therecommendations in the Chemours technical bulletin,“Guide for Concentrate Preparation and Handling of Viton™
FreeFlow™ PPAs.”

Viton™ FreeFlow™

Fluoroelastomers

For more information, visit Viton.com
The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and based on technical data that Chemours believes to be reliable. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill, at their own
discretion and risk. The handling precaution information contained herein is given with the understanding that those using it will satisfy themselves that their particular conditions of use present
no health or safety hazards. Because conditions of product use are outside our control, Chemours makes no warranties, express or implied, and assumes no liability in connection with any useof this information. As with any material, evaluation of any compound under end-use conditions prior to specification is essential. Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate under or arecommendation to infringe any patents.
NO PART OF THIS MATERIAL MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING OR OTHERWISEWITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF CHEMOURS.

© 2019 The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Viton™, FreeFlow™, and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Chemours™ and the ChemoursLogo are trademarks of The Chemours Company.
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