Influence of Calcium Carbonate Concentration on the Properties of Polypropylene Stretched Flat Tapes Used in Raffia Packaging

Abstract

The production of stretched polypropylene (PP) tapes for packaging has recently led to advancements in raffia packaging, which has improved multiple technical characteristics. In addition to the beneficial economic impact, this packaging is more sustainable. The present work evaluated the properties of stretch tapes obtained with different concentrations of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to reduce the cost of production of raffia packaging. We produced the tapes in an industrial environment using a single-screw extruder with a flat die containing 3, 7, 10, 15, 17, and 20 wt % of CaCO3. The tensile strength, elongation, and toughness of the tapes were evaluated. Tensile strength and toughness increase with the addition of CaCO3 while the elongation decreases. Stearic acid (CH3(CH2)16COOH) in the filler contributed positively to the dispersion and distribution of the filler in the matrix, preserving the mechanical properties. The results showed that incorporating CaCO3 in flat strips stretched from PP emerges as an alternative for cost reduction with raw material for raffia packaging.