Potential film applications for syndiotactic polypropylene

Syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) can be used to improve various properties of both cast and blown (biaxially-oriented) film made from polypropylene (PP) or propylene copolymers. At low concentrations (10-30%), sPP improves clarity, impact strength, tear strength, heat sealability and the coefficient of friction. Higher concentrations (70% +) of sPP with isotactic PP (iPP) added to aid in processability (reducing tackiness) will produce tough, high clarity films. Monolayer sPP films developed for low temperature (< 0 degrees C) applications have demonstrated better heat seal. strength than a commercial three layer film used for manufacturing medical bags; one of these sPP films has equivalent tear strength.