abstract |
Melt processed linear polyethylenes containing an amine additive are shown to exhibit improved processability through the addition of certain surfactants. The amine compounds are generally one or more hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), amine antistats, amine antioxidants or amine based UV inhibitors. Among the melt processing parameters improved are reduced head pressure, reduced torque, reduced motor load, reduced or eliminated melt fracture, or combinations of these parameters. The surfactants can be chosen from a non-aromatic sulfonate or sulfate salt wherein a cation of the salt is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, and other alkali cations and a quaternary ammonium cations, said surfactant being essentially free of halogens. |