HOT TACK - A MODEL FOR HOT TACK BEHAVIOR IN ETHYLENE ACID COPOLYMER FILMS

A model has been developed for hot tack behavior in ethylene methacryl ic acid and ethylene acrylic acid copolymers based on statistical regr ession of data. This model shows trends and provides insights on the f actors that influence hot tack strength. A correlation of eight indepe ndent variables with hot tack strength showed that the two factors wit h the greatest impact on hot tack strength are seal temperature and ac id content of the film. The melt indices, melt point temperatures, and synthesis temperatures of the film resin had insignificant correlatio ns with hot tack. No significant difference in hot tack strength was f ound between acrylic and methacrylic acid copolymers. This model provi des a better understanding of an important phenomenon in packaging app lications, and it can be used to approximate hot tack behavior in acid copolymers when certain variables are specified.