IrgaCycle™ PS 031 G is a stabilizer and co-additive to increase the content of recycled polymers in polyolefin film applications.

This product is designed specifically for re-stabilization of post-consumer and post-industrial polyolefin-films during re-granulation or conversion steps. The product enhances the processing and long-term stability of the recycled plastics. It is especially suited for recycled LDPE and LLDPE; e.g. recycling streams originating from packaging films, wrap or shrink films, or other flexible packaging forms.

Designed to address:

• Gel formation
• Contamination with prooxidation species (e.g., metal ions)
• Inconsistent processing behavior
• Depleted initial stabilizer packages
• Presence of pre-oxidized polymer chains and low molecular weight oxidation products
• Insufficient shelf life of recyclate

Depending on the residual stabilizer content, quality, and oxidation state of the recyclate material, IrgaCycle PS 031 G is recommended in quantities from 0.1 to 0.5%.

Features & Benefits

• Improves film processing properties and maintains mechanical properties
• Help reducing gel formation
• Maintain melt flow during melt processing
• Rejuvenates depleted initial stabilizer packages in the polymer

Performance Data

Improved Processing of Film Grade rLDPE

Processing stability

• Post-consumer
• Multi-pass, single screw extrusion at 220°C
• Melt Flow Rate (MFR) measured after 1, 3, and 5 extrusions

rLDPE shows signs of cross-linking and potential gel formation with reduced MFR. IrgaCycle™ PS 031 G efficiently stabilizes film processing with no indication of cross-linking.

Improved Durability of rLDPE Films

Long-term stability

• Post-consumer
• Blown films, 30 µm
• Tensile strength and elongation at break improved with use of stabilizer

IrgaCycle™ PS 031 G improves mechanical properties of blown rLDPE films

Stable Melt Processing of rLDPE

Processing stability

• rLDPE, extrusion grade
• Post-consumer
• Multi-pass extrusion at 220°C
• Melt Flow Rate (MFR) measured after 1, 3, and 5 extrusions

rLDPE demonstrates erratic MFR, first cross-linking (MDR decrease), followed by chain scission (MFR increase). IrgaCycle™ PS 031 G stabilizes processing, mitigates cross-linking and gel formulation. 

IrgaCycle™ PS 031 G mitigates erratic melt flow, recyclate behaves similar to virgin material.

Enhanced Durability of rLDPE

Long-term stability

• rLDPE, extrusion grade
• Post-consumer
• Cast films, 210°C, 50 µm
• Oven aging at 100°C
• Tensile properties 100 mm/min

Tensile properties of recyclate changes significantly upon aging. IrgaCycle™ PS 031 G maintains mechanical properties over whole service life.  

Long term stability of recyclates is not sufficient, resulting in mechanical failure over time. IrgaCycle™ PS 031 G upgraded recyclate durability to better match virgin material properties.