Meaning
Solid organic amide additives provide internal lubrication and surface slip for polyolefin films and moulded components. Behenyl erucamide is a secondary fatty acid amide used as a high-temperature slip agent in polymer processing. It migrates to the surface of a finished part or film to reduce the coefficient of friction without compromising the visual clarity of the material.
This additive remains stable at higher extrusion temperatures than primary amides like erucamide or oleamide. Its molecular structure prevents early degradation in high-heat resins like polypropylene.
Thermal Stability
Resistance to oxidative yellowing characterizes this specific chemical additive during prolonged exposure to process heat. High-speed extrusion lines benefit from the presence of behenyl erucamide because it does not smoke or vent excessively at 280 degrees Celsius. Traditional slip agents often volatilize or char under these conditions.
Surface Migration
The rate of movement from the polymer matrix to the surface interface determines the operational window of the finished product. While primary amides bloom almost immediately, behenyl erucamide exhibits a slower migration speed that allows for better control during printing or laminating steps. This delay ensures that adhesives bond correctly before the slip layer fully develops.
It is particularly effective in biaxially oriented polypropylene applications where optical properties are paramount.
Friction Reduction
Loading levels typically range between five hundred and two thousand parts per million.
