Synthetic silica (SS) is a precipitated product with spherical particle morphology and narrow particle-size distribution. Synthetic silicas are used in polyolefin film antiblock applications. Synthetic silicas are very abrasive, having a Mohs mineral hardness of 5. (By comparison, talc has a Mohs hardness of 1.) Synthetic silicas are available in both surface-treated and non-surface-treated forms.
Specialty Minerals Talc-Based Antiblocks To Replace Synthetic Silica
To achieve high clarity film performance in LLDPE films with improved cost performance, Specialty Minerals Inc.’s (SMI’s) Optibloc® 10 and 8 clarity antiblocks are recommended as synthetic silica antiblock replacements in polyethylene blown film. Both Optibloc® clarity antiblock and Clearbloc™ talc avoid the tendency of synthetic silicas to absorb moisture in storage. No special storage or inventory control requirements are necessary with SMI's talc-based antiblocks.
See the examples for Optibloc® clarity antiblock replacement in typical polyolefin film applications.
Optibloc® 10 talc replacing synthetic silica in LDPE
Optibloc® 10 talc replacing synthetic silica in 3% EVA – LDPE Copolyme
Optibloc® 10 talc replacing SS in 1.0 M.I. LLDPE
Two additional examples of replacing synthetic silica with SMI Optibloc® talc antiblocks in blown films can be viewed by clicking here, Click here to download an introduction to antiblocks and SMI talc-based antiblocks in LLDPE films.
Learn more:
- Specialty Minerals antiblock talcs for polyolefin films
- What is an antiblock?
- Selecting a talc-based antiblock
- Formulating High Performance LLDPE Blown Films With Optibloc® High Clarity Antiblocks – Introduction to antiblocks – a downloadable Specialty Minerals publication.
- Replacing diatomaceous earth with SMI talc-based antiblocks
- Diatomaceous earth replacement study
- Synthetic silica replacement study: blown film
- Synthetic silica replacement study: cast film
- Economical Specialty Minerals talc antiblocks
- Specialty Minerals antiblocks for low-polymer process aid interaction
- Specialty Minerals antiblocks for low-odor applications
- Reduced slip agent interaction with surface-treated talc antiblocks
- Blown Film Basics
- Cast Film Basics
- Specialty Minerals Antiblock Technical Service Support
- What is Talc?
- Download technical data sheets for Specialty Minerals products
- Request a sample
- SMI Publications on talc-based antiblocks: Downloadable papers by Specialty Minerals on talc-based antiblocks and their applications.
- About Specialty Minerals Inc.
- Specialty Minerals Plant Locations and Profiles
- Quality and ISO at Specialty Minerals
