Anti-blocks, anti-blocking additives, or “topcuts” refer to the largest particles found within a material blend having a specific particle size distribution. For example, in
Anti-blocks, anti-blocking additives, or “topcuts” refer to the largest particles found within a material blend having a specific particle size distribution. For example, in plastic manufacturing, anti-blocking additives reduce blocking at the surface of polymer films and so that it becomes easier for the blend to be processed and handled. Traditional anti-blocking additives can be divided into inorganic and organic types. Inorganic anti-blocks, such as silica or talc and simply work by reducing the contact between polymers, in addition to reducing the micro-roughening of the surface of the polymer. This reduction of friction and contact between films improves performance of the blend. Many types of Anti-blocking agents are provided by Pure Polymers, ranging from synthetic silica formulations that have the advantage of giving high clarity of the final product, through natural silica that offers high, to calcium carbonate that is used when simple anti-blocking without clarity is required. When dealing with particles, a distribution of particle sizes actually exists. The term “topcut” refers to the largest particles found within a given material’s particle size distribution. Also, it is important to note that the more irregular the shape, the more effective an inorganic particle should be in affecting anti-block properties.