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TONE Polymers
Products, Performance, Applications
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2 of 16 *Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company or one of its subsidiaries
Introduction
TONE* polymers are products that
address a myriad of application needs.
They are compatible with a wide
variety of thermoplastic processing
techniques. TONE polymers have
desirable thermogravimetric and
electrical properties. They have strong
light stability and, unlike most
commercial polymers, offer the unique
property of being truly biodegradable
when composted.
Description
TONE polymers are homopolymers of
-caprolactone, a seven-membered ring
compound. The TONE polymer
product family consists of:
TONE P-767 and P-787 polymers
High molecular weight
TONE P-757 polymer
Low molecular weight
Special Features
Low order of toxicity
Biodegradable when composted
Low and sharp melting point
Improves polymer processing
(extrusion aid, die lubricant,
mold release)
Broad miscibility or mechanical
compatibility with many polymers
Excellent pigment and filler
dispersion aid
Outstanding adhesion to a broad
spectrum of substrates
Chemical Structure
The polymers may be represented in
the following structure:
Table 1 TONE Polymer Processing
TONE Polymer Blown Film Cast Film Sheet Extrusion Injection Molding
P-767 X X X
P-787 X X X X
)
) ( (
Fabrication
TONE polymers are available as
pellets and can be fabricated by
conventional thermoplastic polymer
processing techniques as shown in
Table 1. TONE P-767 polymer is
amenable to injection molding, slot
cast extrusion, and sheet extrusion.
TONE P-787 polymer has the
processing characteristics needed for
conversion into 100% blown film.
TONE P-787 polymer can also be
used for injection molding, slot cast
extrusion, and sheet extrusion.
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Typical Physical Properties

Table 2 Typical Physical Properties of TONE P-757, P-767, and P-787

TONE Polymer
Property ASTM Test P-757 P-767 P-787
Melt Flow 80C, 44 psi, g/10 min. D 1238-73 5 1.9 0.5
125C, 44 psi, g/10 min. 7.0 1.0
190C, 44 psi, g/10 min. 30 4.0
Density at 23C (73F), g/cc 1.145 1.145
Melting Temperature, F (C) 140 (60) 140 (60) 140 (60)
Tensile Strength, psi (MPa) D 412-68
2 in/min 3930 (27.1) 3600 (26.0) 6000 (41.4)
20 in/min 3100 (21.3) 5800 (39.7)
Tensile Modulus psi (MPa) 69,000 (475) 63,000 (435) 56,000 (386)
Ultimate Elongation, %
2 in/min 750 600-1000 800-1000
20 in/min 600-800 750-900
Flexural Modulus, psi (MPa) 83,300 (575) 74,400 (514)
Flexural Stress at 5% strain, psi (MPa) 3400 (23.4) 3000 (21.0)
Izod Impact, ft-lb/in (J/m)
Notched D 256-73A 1.5-3.0 (82) 6-8 (350)
Unnotched No Break No Break
Tensile Impact Strength ft-lb/in
2
(kJ/m
2
) D 1822 28 (58) 185 (386)
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion
in/Difference/C 1.55 x 10
4
1.663 x 10
4
Water Absorption, % 0.3508 0.3295
Shore Hardness D 2240-75 55D 55D

The data provided for these properties are typical values and should not be construed as sales specifications.
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Thermal Properties
Thermal properties of TONE
P-767 and P-787 polymers are given
in Table 3. The crystalline melting
point defines the limit of usefulness
(60C) as an unmodified material.
Although this property limits utility
in some applications, it presents
unique application potentials as an
orthopedic or orthotic cast material,
a controlled release matrix for
temperature-sensitive substances,
and a low-melting adhesive for
temperature-sensitive substrates.
The crystallization rate at body
temperature (37C) indicates adequate
forming time for orthopedic cast
products to be conformally fit to
various contours. This is a distinct
advantage of TONE P-767 polymer
over other synthetic polymers used in
the orthopedic/orthotic field. Degree
of crystallization data indicate that
TONE polymer, as molded, exhibits
approximately 50 percent crystallinity.
After the initial crystallization, a slow
secondary crystallization process
continues, and after one month the
degree of crystallinity is approximately
60 percent (Ref. 1).
Rheological Properties
Rheological properties of TONE P-767
and P-787 polymers are illustrated in
Figures 1 and 2.
10000000
1000000
100000
V
i
s
c
o
s
i
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(
c
P
)
120 140 160 180 200
Temperature (C)
TONE P-787
TONE P-767
Table 3 Thermal and Calorimetric Properties of TONE Polymers
First Heat
(1,2)
TONE P-767 TONE P-787
T
g
, Amorphous, C -69.65 -54.75
T
m
, Crystalline Melting Point, (C) 61.86 58.42
H
f
, Heat of Fusion, no annealing, cal/g 17.92 16.20
Cool Down
(1,3)
T
c
, Crystallization Temperature, C 19.11 17.44
H
c
, Heat of Crystallization, cal/g 16.00 13.54
Second Heat
(1,4)
T
g
, Amorphous, C -66.31 -69.58
T
m
, Crystalline Melting Point, (C) 54.00 53.34
H
f
, Heat of Fusion, no annealing, cal/g 15.64 15.12
Specific Heat, cal/gC
at 20C (68F) 0.473
80C (176F) 0.533
100C (212F) 0.545
150C (302F) 0.555
(1) Determination by DSC on pellets in He atmosphere
(2) Samples were heated from -100C to 100C at 10C/min
(3) After holding at 100C for 5 minutes, the samples were cooled to -120C at 10C/min
(4) After holding at -120C for 5 minutes, the samples were reheated to -100C at 10C/min
Figure 1 Brookfield Viscosity of TONE Polymers
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Thermogravimetric Properties
Results of thermogravimetric analysis
for TONE P-767 polymer are shown
in Figure 3. Temperatures above
250C can be tolerated for typical
time intervals encountered during
extrusion. As indicated by the 100
percent weight loss value in air above
550C, TONE P-767 polymer could
offer insignificant ash for applications
such as investment casting formulations
where they could be utilized as an
addition to toughen wax or as
formulation matrix.
Light Stability
The light stability of TONE polymers
is not expected to be substantially
different from aliphatic polyesters.
No significant color changes have been
observed in limited outdoor exposures.
Electrical Properties
Electrical property measurements for
TONE P-767 polymer are shown in
Table 4. The electrical property profile
is in the range of many commercial
polymers, and the addition of TONE
P-767 polymer to other polymers will
not detract from applications requiring
low loss, high dielectric strength, high
arc resistance, and non-conducting
properties.
0
20
40
60
80
100
W
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t

L
o
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s
,

P
e
r
c
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n
t
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Temperature (C)
N
2
Air
10C/min
heating rate
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
100000
10000
1000
V
i
s
c
o
s
i
t
y

(
P
a

s
)
1 10 100 1000 10000
Shear Rate (1/sec)
125C 150C 170C
100
X
Figure 2 Instron Rheometry Data for TONE P-787 Polymer
Figure 3 Thermogravimetric Analysis of TONE P-767 Polymer
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Solution Properties
TONE polymers are generally
insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons,
alcohols, and glycols. They are soluble
in aromatic hydrocarbons, many
chlorinated hydrocarbons, and polar
solvents. Table 5 shows the solubility
of TONE P-767 polymer in various
solvents at 20 percent solids
concentration.
Table 4 Electrical Properties of TONE P-767 Polymer
Dissipation Factor
at 60 Hz 0.0065
1K Hz 0.0016
1m Hz 0.0041
Dielectric Constant
at 60 Hz 4.31
1K Hz 4.29
1m Hz 4.36
Dielectric Strength, volts/mil 335
Volume Resistivity ohm-cm 6.3 x 10
12
Arc Resistance, sec 170
Table 5 Solubility of TONE P-767 Polymer in Various Solvents at 20% Solids Concentration
Solubility
(1)
at Room Temperature
No After Bulk Viscosity
(2)
Solvent Warming Warming After 3 Weeks at 30C, cSt
Acetone I S PCL
(3)
Precipitate 75
after ~1 week
Benzene S S
(4)
200
Carbon Tetrachloride S S
(4)
3200
Chloroform S S
(4)
1400
Cyclohexanone PS S S
(4)
650
Dihydropyran S S
(4)
280
Dimethylformamide I S I after ~5 days 280
1,4-Dioxane PS S S
(4)
600
Ethyl Acetate I S PCL
(3)
Precipitate 140
after ~5 days
Methylene Chloride S S
(3)

Methyl Ethyl Ketone I S Haze after ~2 weeks 95

1:1 MEK:MIBK I S PCL
(3)
Precipitate 105
after ~2 weeks
Methyl Tetrahydrofuran S S
(4)
240
2-Nitropropane PS S S
(4)
270
n-Propyl Acetate
(4)
I S S
Tetrahydrofuran S S 310
Trifluorethanol S S
(4)

Toluene S S
(4)
190
1:1:1 Toluene: Ethyl Acetate:
Ethanol PS S S
(3)
160
(1) I = Insoluble, PS = Partially Soluble, S = Soluble
(2) These are relative measurements of one batch of P-767. Other batches may vary slightly
(3) PCL = poly (-caprolactone)
(4) Homogeneous for at least four months; expected to remain in solution indefinitely
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Biodegradability
Unlike most commercial polymers,
poly (-caprolactone) polymers, as
aliphatic polyesters, offer the unique
property of being truly biodegradable
without the requirement of prior
photodegradation (Ref. 2-8).
In compost environments, TONE
polymers will undergo assimilation
by microorganisms. The rate at which
poly (-caprolactone) will biodegrade
is a function of many factors, such as
article surface area, thickness, tempera-
ture, moisture, acidity, oxygen level,
and mineral content. Microorganisms
of the type found in compost are
essential for degradation, since no
microbial degradation of TONE poly-
mers, either in water or in air alone,
has been observed for periods of at
least a year. Thus, most applications
of TONE polymers (e.g., adhesive,
polymer additive, orthopedic) will not
encounter problems with microbial
degradation.
TONE polymers are assimilated by
microorganisms and used as an energy
source in their growth, with the result
that carbon dioxide (CO
2
), water, and
biomass are produced. Intermediate
metabolism products would not be
expected to be harmful to plant or
animal life (Ref. 3-7).
Toxicity
TONE polymers have a low order of
toxicity. Based on similar materials,
the acute oral and dermal toxicity is
low (oral LD50 >8000 mg/kg, dermal
LD50 1600-16,000 mg/kg). TONE
polymers are not irritating to skin and
produce no to very slight eye irritation.
Table 6 Miscibility and Compatibility of Polymer Blends Containing
Poly (-caprolactone)
Miscible Mechanically Compatible
Poly (vinyl chloride) Polypropylene
Styrene/acrylonitrile (24-29%) Poly (butene-1)
ABS Polyethylene
Polyhydroxyether of bisphenol A Natural Rubber
Phenoxy Styrene/butadiene elastomers
Polycarbonate Styrene/butadiene block copolymers
Nitrocellulose Unsaturated polyesters
Cellulose butyrate Epoxies
Cellulose propionate Phenolics
Chlorinated polyether Poly (vinyl acetate)
Polyepichlorohydrin Poly (vinyl butyral)
Poly (vinylidene chloride) Polybutadiene
Styrene/allyl alcohol copolymers Ethylene/propylene rubber
Polyisobutylene
Polyoxymethylene
Polyoxyethylene
Compatibility with
Other Polymers
When polycaprolactone is combined
with a number of other polymers, the
resulting binary blends are either
miscible or mechanically compatible
(Ref. 9-12).
Miscible blends are characterized by
mixing at the molecular level and
exhibit a single glass transition
temperature (Tg). Incompatible
polymer blends are those with two
glass transition temperatures.
However, these blends can be
classified as mechanically compatible
when there is no significant reduction
in the average mechanical properties
of the blend constituents.
Table 6 lists polymers and polymer
blends that are either miscible or
mechanically compatible with
polycaprolactone.
TONE polymers are unique in their
ability to function as compatibilizers
in the preparation of polymer blends
from incompatible polymers
(Ref. 13, 14).
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Utility in Polymer Blends
Poly(vinyl chloride)
TONE polymers are miscible with
poly(vinyl chloride) over the entire
composition range. This behavior has
been widely studied in a series of
published technical papers (e.g., Ref.
12 and Ref. 15). Blends containing
greater than 30 weight percent TONE
polymer initially exhibit properties
similar to typical plasticized PVC;
however, the poly (-caprolactone)
slowly crystallized out of solution,
thus losing the plasticizing effect. At
lower levels, the crystallization rate is
too slow to allow for observation of
any property changes with time.
TONE P-767 polymer can be added at
low levels (0.5-3.0 weight percent) to
rigid PVC formulations to improve the
processability. Poly (-caprolactone)
has been shown to be useful in non-
asbestos vinyl tile formulations where
extremely high filler loadings are
employed. TONE polymers also offer
utility as an adhesive layer in bonding
PVC to a wide variety of substrates.
Table 7 Film Properties of a TONE P-767 Polymer/0.5 Second Nitrocellulose (11% Nitrogen Content) Blend
Weight Percent TONE P-767 Polymer
Property 0 20 40 60
Film Appearance Blushed Clear Clear Clear
Elongation, % 9 16 43 83
60 Gloss 68 83 97 90
Sward Hardness 26 32 34 15
Gardner Impact, in-lb
Face 120-160 120-160 >160 >160
Reverse 88-120 88-120 >160 >160
Yellowing
(1)
Severe Slight None None
(1) Sunlight resistance, one week exposure in accelerated test
Nitrocellulose
Blends of TONE polymers and
nitrocellulose are miscible over the
entire composition range. TONE
polymers can yield effective permanent
plasticization of nitrocellulose, resulting
in improved toughness and ultimate
elongation. In the composition range
of 10 to 50 weight percent TONE
polymer, improvements in extensibility,
flexibility, gloss, impact resistance,
heat and light resistance, adhesion,
and water resistance of nitrocellulose
films have been observed. TONE
polymer/nitrocellulose blends should
find particular applicability in the field
of printing inks and overprint lacquers.
The ability of poly (-caprolactone) to
dispense pigments is important to
nonsettling of pigmented and dye inks.
Mar resistance, flexibility, and adhesion
of pigmented inks to untreated
cellophane, poly(vinylidene chloride),
coated cellophane, and shellac-washed
aluminum foil are markedly improved
when a third component is added.
Suitable third components are
polyketones, acrylics, and shellac.
Overprint lacquers prepared from
TONE P-767 polymer and
nitrocellulose exhibit improved gloss,
flexibility, and rub resistance. Table 7
contains pertinent data for selected
blends of TONE P-767 polymer and
nitrocellulose.
Styrene-Acrylonitrile
TONE polymers are miscible with
styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers
(acrylonitrile content of 24 to 29
weight percent). This offers interesting
possibilities for ABS, which typically
has a matrix of styrene-acrylonitrile
with an acrylonitrile content in that
range. Improvements in toughness and
gloss are noted with 2 to 5 weight
percent of TONE polymer, although
with some loss in heat distortion
temperature. TONE polymers should
be considered for use as an adhesive
layer for bonding ABS to a wide
variety of substrates.
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Polyethylene
The addition of TONE polymers to
polyethylene film has improved film
gloss, clarity, and antiblocking charac-
teristics at addition levels of 1 to 10
weight percent. The physical properties
of polyethylene are not significantly
altered by up to 30 weight percent
addition of poly (-caprolactone).
Elastomers
Blends of TONE polymers with various
elastomers (including natural rubber,
cis-polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene
copolymer, butadiene-acrylonitrile
copolymer, ethylene-propylene-diene
rubber) have shown mechanical com-
patibility at modest levels of addition.
A specific advantage of TONE polymer
addition is in the improved carbon
black acceptance and dispersion in
these elastomers. Heat-shrinkable
items can be made from such blends
by allowing the TONE P-767 polymer
to crystallize in an elongated condition.
Subsequent warming returns the item
to its original configuration.
Thermosets
In thermoset systems, the addition of
five weight percent TONE polymer
improved toughness and mold release
characteristics. Poly (-caprolactone)
can also be added to -caprolactam-
reactive systems (cast nylon) to
improve mold release and low profile
characteristics. TONE polymers added
to unsaturated polyesters bring
improvements in surface properties
(gloss, low profile), craze resistance,
colorability, and reverse impact
strength. These properties are achieved
without loss in paint adhesion or other
relevant properties of the polyester
molding. A special grade caprolactone-
based product, LPS-60-HP, has been
designed specifically as a low profile
additive for unsaturated polyesters
(Ref. 16).
For additional information on the utility
of poly (-caprolactone) in polymer
blends, see the technical papers noted
in References 9, 10, and 12.
Applications for TONE
Polymers
Low-Melting Applications
Because of their low melting points,
TONE polymers have been used as a
plaster replacement in orthopedic or
orthotic applications (Ref. 17-21).
TONE polymers offer excellent melt
formability and high rigidity in the
solid state. This combination of prop-
erties provides the ability to immobilize
body (human or animal) areas. To
achieve optimum performance,
inorganic fillers are generally added to
improve stiffness, reduce creep during
application, and lower surface tackiness.
Pigments and Fillers
TONE polymers are effective
dispersants for a variety of pigments
and fillers in film and molding
applications. Broad miscibility or
mechanical compatibility with many
thermoplastics, in addition to low
viscosity at processing temperatures,
allows preparation of masterbatches
that have excellent dispersions without
a reduction in mechanical properties.
Some examples of pigments and fillers
that are readily dispersed are carbon
black, TiO
2
, CaCO
3
, CaSO
4
, talc,
wood flour, soybean flour, and glass
fiber.
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Mold Release
Low-viscosity TONE polymers
improve the melt flow of engineering
polymers and impart mold-release
characteristics as well. Polycarbonate
and glass- or mineral-filled
poly(butylene terephthalate) exhibit
improved mold-release properties with
TONE polymer additions.
Hot Melt and Film Adhesives
The miscibility and mechanical
compatibility of TONE polymers with
an assortment of polymers, combined
with low viscosity, suggest adhesive
applications. TONE polymers are
employed as adhesive layers for various
polymer-to-polymer combinations,
including PVC, ABS, poly(vinylidene
chloride) polyester film, polystyrene,
phenoxy, and synthetic and natural
rubber. TONE polymers can also be
successfully bonded to a variety of
substrates, including vinyl, leather,
canvas, and cloth. The rapid crystalli-
zation of PCL suggests use as an
additive for hot melt adhesives, both
thermoplastic and reactive.
Biodegradable Systems
The biodegradability of TONE
polymers (Ref. 2-7) is useful for the
preparation of articles requiring them
to degrade in biologically active
environments, e.g., compost. Examples
include films for food or yard waste
compost bags, tree planting containers,
and matrix systems for controlled/slow
release of pesticides, herbicides, and
fertilizers (Ref. 17).
TONE Polymers: Processing
Characteristics and
Performance
Thermoplastic TONE polymers can be
processed by the usual thermoplastic
processing techniques, including blown
and slot cast film extrusion, sheet
extrusion, and injection molding. The
low melting point of TONE polymers
requires lower temperatures and less
energy than polyethylene and other
polyolefins. Specific processing
information follows:
Blown Film
TONE polymers will run on most
LLDPE blown film lines with minimal
changes (water on feed throat/chilled
air for air ring). Keep in mind that
TONE polymer is not polyethylene
and melts at 140F (60C), compared
to 250F (120C) for polyethylene.
Therefore, TONE polymer must be
extruded at lower temperatures than
polyethylene. This may result in higher
head pressure and amps compared to
polyethylene. Depending on the specific
hardware, different configurations will
work with TONE polymers. Yet, what
is good for one type of extruder may
not be good for another. The following
procedure is presented as a starting
point profile for the production of
TONE polymer film.
Preparation of Extrusion Line
Method A: Disassemble Line
Prior to running TONE polymer, the
screw, die, and transfer block should
be taken apart and cleaned thoroughly.
If disassembling the line and cleaning
is not opted for, then the line can be
purged of unwanted resin. If the unit
is disassembled for cleaning, TONE
polymer can be charged at 220F (105C).
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Method B: Purge The Line
Purging will sometimes take longer
than disassembly. The unit should be
heated for one hour at a temperature
that will melt the resin already present
in the extruder. Purging can be done
using either a purging compound (such
as Dows UNIPURGE
TM
DFDB-0964
PE-based purging compound) or 100%
TONE polymer.
Purging With PE Cleaner
1) Heat unit to the temperature
required to melt the resin that was
previously extruded and charge
UNIPURGE DFDB-0964
compound to the line
2) Set screw speed at 15-20 RPM and
purge for 2 hours
3) Increase screw speed to 50 RPM
and purge for 30 minutes and begin
to lower all
temperatures to 220F (105C)
4) Hold temperature at 220F (105C)
and purge for 30 minutes
5) When purging is completed, charge
TONE polymer and stabilize
extrusion conditions.
Purging With Tone Polymer
1) Heat unit to the temperature
required to melt the resin that was
previously extruded and charge
TONE polymer
2) Set screw speed at 15-20 RPM and
purge for 1 hour
3) Increase screw speed to 50 RPM
and purge for 30 minutes and begin
to lower all temperatures to 220F
(105C)
4) When temperatures reach 220F
(105C), string up and stabilize
extrusion conditions.
Considerations When Purging
If the die pin can be changed, purge
with a wide die gap, 100-mil pin
(2.5 mm). Do not exceed the upper
temperature limit of the resin that is
being purged or the PE cleaner. As
purge material runs out and TONE
polymer resin starts to appear at the
die, make sure that all zone and die
temperatures are set and running at
220F (105C). If TONE polymer is
used as a purge and the melt
temperature is above 250F (120C),
the TONE polymer will thin out
(viscosity is reduced) and not push the
resin to be purged. By lowering the
melt temperature, the TONE polymer
viscosity is increased, providing more
body to the TONE polymer resin,
helping it flow and purge. Screen packs
can either be removed or a coarse
screen pack (40-60 mesh) installed. If
the unit is cleaned by purging and gels
and specks are present upon start-up,
it is possible that previously extruded
resin is still present. Continue running
until no contamination is observed.
Extrusion Profile for TONE Polymers
Standard LLDPE screw
Zone temperatures at 200F to 250F
(93C to 120C)
Die temperatures at 200F to 250F
(93C to 120C)
Screen packs 40-60 mesh
Die gap 20 mil to 110 mil
(0.5 mm to 2.5 mm)
Dual lip air ring with chilled air
Chilled or service water on feed
throat
Processing Hints
Under certain conditions, TONE
polymer will run at a melt temperature
of up to 300F (150C). To run at a
melt temperature of 300F (150C),
the chilled air must be in the 40F-55F
(10C-15C) range. Generally, the
lower the air ring temperature, the
better the bubble stability.
Also, neat TONE polymer blown film
will be blocked. Addition of 1000
ppm stearamide will allow the film to
open off line and reduce film stiffness.
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Table 9 Mechanical Properties of TONE P-787 Polymer Blown Film
Film Gauge
mil 0.5 1.0 1.5
microns 12.7 25 37
Film Property
Tensile Strength, psi (MPa)
MD 7900 (55) 7950 (55) 7300 (50)
TD 2900 (20) 2900 (20) 2830 (19)
Secant Modulus, psi (MPa)
MD 94000 (648) 74400 (513) 77500 (534)
TD 127000 (875) 128000 (883) 114000 (786)
Yield Strength, psi (MPa)
MD 4200 (29) 3680 (25) 3000 (21)
TD 0 1840 (13) 2830 (19)
Elongation at Break, %
MD 275 360 440
TD 70 260 490
Elmendorf Tear, g/mil (N/mm)
MD 26 (10) 17 (7) 13 (5)
TD 545 (210) 310 (120) 235 (91)
Dart Drop, g/mil <50 <50 <50
Blown Film Properties
Mechanical properties of blown film
prepared from TONE P-787 polymer
are presented in Table 9.
Slot Cast Film
TONE P-767 and P-787 polymers can
both be converted by slot cast extrusion.
However, because of the lower melt
viscosity of TONE P-767 polymer, the
temperature profile given below for
TONE P-787 polymer should be
lowered accordingly.
Table 8 Troubleshooting
Problem Recommendation
Material bridging in feed hopper Check water on feed throat
Loss of head pressure Check water on feed throat
Amps drop off Check water on feed throat
Specks/gels in film Line not thoroughly cleaned
Remove resin and purge
Excessive head pressure Raise melt temperature
Use coarser screen packs
Use a wider die gap
Poor melt strength Check melt temperature: should
not be over 250F (120C)
Poor bubble stability Check chilled air on air ring
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Table 10 TONE P-787 Polymer Slot Cast Processing Conditions and
Film Properties
Processing Conditions
Zone Temperatures 300F (150C)
Die Temperatures 300-320F (150-160C)
Chill Roll 64F (18C)
Chill Roll 80F (27C)
Film Property
(1)
Tensile Strength, psi (MPa)
MD 6220 (43)
TD 2570 (18)
Elongation at Break, %
MD 400
TD 450
Elmendorf Tear, g/mil (N/mm)
MD 12 (5)
TD 280 (110)
Dart Drop, g/mil <50
(1) Film Gauge = 1 mil (25 micron)
Table 11 TONE Polymer Sheet Extrusion Conditions
Zone Temperatures 170F (77C)
Die Temperatures 165-170F (74-77C)
Chill Roll 70F (21C)
Chill Roll 74F (23C)
Chill Roll 76F (24C)
Sheet Thickness mil (mm) 36 (0.9)
Table 12 TONE Polymer Injection Molding Conditions
Temperature, F (C)
Feed 180 (82)
Center 190 (88)
Front 200 (93)
Nozzle 200 (93)
Stock 248 (120)
Mold 76 (24)
Injection Pressure, psi (MPa)
High 2000 (14)
Holding 1600 (11)
Screw, rpm 100
FDA Status
TONE P-757, P-767, and P-787
polymers have FDA clearances for
food contact use under the following
regulations:
21 CFR 175.105 for use as compon-
ents of food packaging adhesives. This
regulation requires that the adhesive
be separated from food by a functional
barrier, such as foil, or have only mini-
mal exposure to the food, such as at
seams and edge exposure in laminates.
The TONE polymers are identified in
this regulation as
Poly(oxycaproyl)diols and triols
(minimum molecular weight 500).
21 CFR 177.1390(c)(2)(ii) for use as
components of adhesives used to bond
high temperature laminates, provided
they are separated from the food con-
tact layer by a functional barrier. This
regulation refers to 175.105 for a list
of acceptable materials, and thus also
includes a minimum molecular weight
restriction of 500.
21 CFR 177.1680 for use in the
manufacture of polyurethane resins
used as the food contact surface of
articles intended for contact with bulk
quantities of dry food with the surface
containing no free fat or oil. This
clearance would include dry foods
such as rice, dry beans, cereal, herbs,
seeds, and spices. The TONE polymers
are identified in this regulation by the
generic name Poly(oxycarbonyl-
pentamethylene).
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Storage and Handling
No evidence of blocking or caking has
been observed at temperatures up to
and slightly in excess of 50C. Labora-
tory studies have shown that blocking
may be expected at temperatures of
58C to 62C. The polymer should not
be stored near steam lines or under
conditions where temperatures
approaching the melting point of 60C
can exist, since the polymer particles
would be expected to block under
those conditions.
Product Stewardship
The Dow Chemical Company has a
fundamental concern for all who make,
distribute, and use its products, and
for the environment in which we live.
This concern is the basis for Dows
Product Stewardship philosophy by
which Dow assesses the health and
environmental information on Dows
products. Dows Product Stewardship
program rests with each and every
individual involved with DOW
productsfrom the initial concept and
research to the manufacture, sale,
distribution, use, and disposal of each
product.
Dow encourages its customers to
review their applications of DOW
products from the standpoint of
human health and environmental
quality. To help ensure that DOW
products are not used in ways for
which they are not intended or tested,
Dow personnel will assist customers in
dealing with ecological and product
safety considerations. Your Dow sales
representative can arrange the proper
contacts.
PX59012.qxd 5/10/04 3:34 PM Page 14
15 of 16
Bibliography
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presented at the New York Academy of
Sciences, October 1975.
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Fungal Degradation of
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and S. J. Huant, Polycaprolactone
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4. W. J. Cook, J. A. Cameron, J. P. Bell,
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C. G. Pitt, M. E. Wall, and R.
Zweidinger, Contemp. Top. Polym.
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Materials, by Robeson, Union Carbide
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19. U.S. Patent 4,379,138 (April 15, 1983)
by Pitt and Schindler.
20. U.S. Patent 3,935,308 (January 27,
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and Dressler.
21. U.S. Patent 4,306,552 (December 22,
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PX59012.qxd 5/10/04 3:34 PM Page 15
*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company Form No. 321-00055-0504 AMS
*
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