Chapter 35
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene and Oriented
Polypropylene - BOPP and OPP
Category: Polyolefin the range of 10 to 250 µm (with ex-
ceptions up to 500 µm), cast lines, chill
General Description: Polypropylene is produced roll, and air knife are used, while films
commercially in different forms, depending upon the from 250 µm up to 2.5 mm are pro-
desired properties. Polypropylene films can be duced using a three-stack-roll system.
stretched, or oriented, to modify the properties. Bi- These types of films are mainly used
axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and oriented as primary sheets for thermoforming
polypropylene (OPP) films are polypropylene films applications.[1073]
that have been oriented biaxially and uniaxially, re-
spectively.[1150] The most common manufacturing method for BOPP
is the flat tenter stretching process where a thick
Through the orienting process, physical properties, sheet is first cast, then conditioned for subsequent
such as water vapor barrier, stiffness, dimensional drawing. Machine and transverse direction stretch-
stability, and optics, can be improved. BOPP film has ing are performed on-line and can be adjusted to se-
excellent transparency, strength, and stiffness.[1150] cure the required orientation balance.[1150]
ExxonMobil Bicor films are coated, sealable OPP Alternatively, in the double-bubble process, a cast
films with outstanding optical properties, superior tube is blown into a large bubble with simultaneous
machinability, excellent flavor and aroma barrier prop- stretching in both directions to produce a balanced
erties, broad seal ranges, excellent heat-seal and hot- film. This process is used to make heat-shrink films
tack strength, and good moisture and oxygen barrier as well as standard BOPP films.[1150]
properties.[1149]
In both processes, it is common to see multilayer film
ExxonMobil OPPalyte films are coated, pearlescent products made by coextrusion. A number of spe-
white, opaque OPP films, with a proprietary core cialty polypropylenes provide the heat-seal and func-
providing excellent opacity, good machinability, ex- tional characteristics in these structures.[1150]
cellent flavor and aroma barrier properties, good oxy-
gen barrier properties, excellent stiffness and flex Coextrusion allows for the tailoring of film proper-
resistance, excellent print performance, strong cold ties through the use of different materials in sepa-
seal adhesion, and good bond strength.[1149] rate extruders, where each material maintains its own
set of properties. Conversely in the mono-extrusion
Film Processing Method: Polypropylene film can technique, polymers are blended.[1073]
be cast or blown.[1063]
• Cast Film ranges from 10 µm to 2.5 Film Applications: BOPP is widely used to pack-
mm thick. Depending on film thick- age snack foods, cookies, crackers, biscuits, ciga-
ness, different techniques are used. In rettes, and more.[1150]
© Plastics Design Library Ch. 35: Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene and Oriented Polypropylene - BOPP and OPP
142
Regulatory Approval: BOPP and OPP generally Random copolymers of polypropylene are often used
meet the requirements of the US Food and Drug to enhance clarity and gloss. These softer films are
Administration and other relevant authorities through- used as textile packages, bakery wraps/sheet, and
out the world.[1150] photo protectors at thicker gauges.[1150]
Optical Properties: High-clarity cast (unoriented) Film Properties by Material Supplier Trade
film is dependent on very rapid quenching of the melt. Name: See Tables 35-01 through 35-02.
Table 35-01. Physical Properties of ExxonMobil OPP Films
Material Family ORIENTED POLYPROPYLENE (OPP)
Material Supplier ExxonMobil
Bicor OPPalyte
Material Grade AB ASB-X LTSC ASW HM TW
Reference Number 1149
MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Sample Thickness (mm) 0.025 0.027 0.025 0.031 0.036
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Tensile Strength, MD/TD (MPa) 140/210 140/240 210/140
Tensile Strength MD/TD (N/mm) 2.5/3.7 3.3/5.3 3.3/4.9
PERMEABILITY PROPERTIES
Gas Permeability, O2, 23°C, 0% RH,
1.67
(cm3 · mm/m2 · day · atm)
Water Vapor Transmission Rate,
0.14 0.22 0.18 0.22
38°C, 90% RH (g · mm/m2 · day)
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
Gloss (45°) 90 98 90 95 65
Haze (%) 1.0 1.2 1.5
Light Transmission (%) 37 31 28
SURFACE PROPERTIES
Coefficient of Friction (acrylic/acrylic) 0.23 0.24 0.28 — 0.49
MD-Machine Direction; TD-Transverse Direction.
Ch. 35: Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene and Oriented Polypropylene - BOPP and OPP © Plastics Design Library
143
Table 35-02. Physical Properties of Aristech BOPP Films for Food Packaging
Material Family BOPP HOMOPOLYMER
Material Supplier Aristech Chemical Company
Material Grade FF-020-Y2 FF-021-M FF-080-B
Reference Number 1151
MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Sample Thickness (mm) 0.025
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES TEST METHOD
Dart Drop (g) 440 396 440 ASTM D1709
Elongation at Break, MD/TD (%) 55/65 69.2/63.4 55/65
Modulus of Elasticity, MD/TD
3310 2810 3310
(MPa)
Tensile Strength at Break, TD ASTM D882
220 203 220
(MPa)
Ultimate Tensile Strength, MD
193
(MPa)
PERMEABILITY PROPERTIES
Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate
0.17 ASTM E96
(g · mm/m2 · day)
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
Gloss (45°) 94 ASTM D2457
Haze (%) 1 ASTM D1003
MD-Machine Direction; TD-Transverse Direction.
© Plastics Design Library Ch. 35: Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene and Oriented Polypropylene - BOPP and OPP
