FreeFlow 5500™

Fluoroelastomers

Technical Information
Introduction
Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 “general-purpose” polymer
process aid (PPA) is a new addition to the comprehensive
range of Chemours additives. As the name suggests,
Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 is designed to improve processingof polyolefins polymers in a wide range of applications
where conven­tional PPAs are currently used. Viton™
FreeFlow™ 5500 is easy to disperse and does not require
extensive qualification effort to adopt. Consider replacing
conventional PPAs with Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 to solve
standard processing issues.
Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 is a fluoroelastomer processing
additive combined with a synergist (PEG). This combi­
nation eliminates melt fracture, reduces die buildup,
lowers extrusion pressure, and reduces amperage andtorque, which contribute to higher output and quality
products.

Figure 1. Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 vs. Other PPA
Shear rate: 461 sec–1
Active PPA content: 400 ppm

Figures 1 and 2 represent the addition of Viton™
FreeFlow™ 5500 at 400 ppm through a 2%
masterbatch in a linear low density polyethylene C4 resin(MFR 1 g/10 min, 190 °C [374 °F], 2.16 kg) as compared
to a representative commercial PPA (named PPA-A)
reflecting a second generation product. The performanceis evaluated with a semi-industrial scale blown film line inclear resin LLDPE C4 1 MI.
Clear resin (no additives): In Figure 1, no other additives
are used. As illustrated, Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 clearly
differentiates versus PPA-A, especially to eliminate theremaining thin streaks on the film.
Presence of anti-blocking agent: In Figure 2, anti-block(talc) is added at 3000 ppm with a 20% masterbatch.
Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 is very effective compared toother conventional PPAs.
Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 is the PPA of choice for generalpurpose application because it is effective, easily
replaces existing solutions, and provides an ideal price toperformance balance.

Figure 2. Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 vs. Other PPA

Resin: LLDPE C4 1 MI

100

Remaining Melt Fracture, %Remaining Melt Fracture, %100
Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500

80

PPA-A (FE + PEG)

6040200

Resin: LLDPE C4 1 MITalc anti-block: 3000 ppm

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

103050Time, min7090806040200Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 + AB
PPA-A (FE + PEG) + AB

103050Time, min7090

Viton™ FreeFlow™

Fluoroelastomers

Applications of Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500

Formulation Guidelines• Direct dosage during production of gas phase LLDPE(1.0 MI or more)

To assist in resin formulation, the following can be used asa general guide:• Dosage during production of solution phase LLDPE(either direct or via masterbatch)

Elimination of Sharkskin Melt Fracture, ppm• Low concentration masterbatches (typically, 2–3%process aid) in LLDPE carrier with MI of 2 or more; canalso be used in highly-concentrated masterbatch

In standard film resins

200–800

In heavily filled or pigmented film

600–1000

Reduction of die buildup, ppm

100–200

Levels are parts per million Viton FreeFlow 5500.
™

™

• All extrusion processes using LLDPE, mLLDPE orHDPE, LLDPE/LDPE blends, or LLDPE/LDPE blends,
including also pigment or anti-blocking agent

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

Advantages

Appearance

White, free-flowing powder

Packaging

20-kg bag

Shelf Life, yr4*

• Process improvements in all types of polyolefins,including HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE• Elimination of melt fracture or surface defect• Reduction of die buildup• Reduction of die pressure• Lower torque and amperage• Approved for many food contact uses* and suitable forpotable water appliances*** 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.

Typical Physical Properties*Normal storage conditions—dry, unopened, temperature below 27 °C (80 °F)

Safety and Handling
Viton™ FreeFlow™ 5500 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™ 5500 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.”**Appliance manufacturer or marketer is responsible for ensuring appliance meetsrequirements for potable water use.

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 Chemours
Logo are trademarks of The Chemours Company.
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