Polypropylene Pop Quiz

Leighton Derr, technical service manager, AET Films

Q: One of the biggest challenges converters face with polypropylene is achieving surface adherence in pouches or other multi-layer constructions. What approaches, such as coatings, offer improvements?

A: Often the weak point in triplex laminations for adhesion is the metal-to-film interface. Mobil's efforts are focused on designing films that have treated or high-energy skins that provide better metal adhesion on one side and a good surface for extrusion or adhesive lamination bonds on the other. Coated surfaces are sometimes used in lieu of metal primarily to provide transparency for the package, and may provide benefits with adhesive laminations, but not necessarily better metal adhesion.