A model for hot tack behavior in ethylene acid copolymer films

A model has been developed for hot tack behavior in ethylene methacrylic acid and ethylene acrylic acid copolymers based on statistical regression of data. This model shows trends and provides insights on the factors that influence hot tack strength. A correlation of eight independent variables with hot tack strength showed that the two factors with the greatest impact on hot tack strength are seal temperature and acid content of the film. The melt indices, melt point temperatures, and synthesis temperatures of the film resin had insignificant correlations with hot tack. No significant difference in hot tack strength was found between acrylic and methacrylic acid copolymers. This model provides a better understanding of an important phenomenon in packaging applications, and it can be used to approximate hot tack behavior in acid copolymers when certain variables are specified.