Lucofin^® compounds: engineered for breathable film performance

Breathable diaper films made easy with Lucofin^® compounds

The breathable film – essential for modern hygiene applications – relies heavily on the right polymer-filler combination. Lucofin^® Compounds, based on EBA (Ethylene Butyl Acrylate Copolymers), offer outstanding dispersion, process reliability, and mechanical integrity, even under the demanding conditions of MDO stretching with high CaCO₃ loads. This makes them ideal for producing thin, durable, and highly breathable backsheet films for diapers and other personal care products.

WVTR test method for breathable film using Lucofin^® compounds

This WVTR test setup allows for precise, repeatable, and industry-compliant analysis of breathable film properties. It is a critical quality control step in developing and benchmarking Lucofin^®-based compounds, ensuring their suitability for highperformance hygiene and medical applications.

To evaluate the breathability of films produced with Lucofin^® compounds, the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) is measured using a precise and industry-standard testing procedure.

Test Equipment & Standard:
• Instrument: MOCON Permatran-W Model 101K
• Standard: Testing is performed in accordance with ASTM D6701, which is widely accepted for evaluating the water vapor permeability of flexible barrier materials.

Test Conditions:
• Temperature: 37.8 °C (close to skin temperature, relevant for hygiene applications)
• Relative Humidity: 100% – simulating extreme moisture conditions
• Carrier Gas: Nitrogen (N₂), which transports the permeated water vapor from the sample to the detection unit
• These settings mimic real-world conditions in which breathable films are expected to perform, such as in diapers or medical dressings.

Calibration and Accuracy:
• The system is calibrated daily to ensure precise readings.
• The method is highly sensitive to environmental fluctuations, even in climate-controlled rooms, which underlines the need for consistent calibration practices.

Up to 70% CaCo₃ in final film and still outstanding

Lucofin^®-based breathable film compounds enable a new generation of CaCO₃-filled masterbatches for both breathable and non-breathable applications. Compared to the conventional industry standard of 50% filler content in the final film, Lucofin^® formulations allow for significantly higher calcium carbonate loading – up to 60% or even 70% – without compromising performance.

The water vapor permeability (WVTR) of standard OD-stretched films typically reaches around 1,500 g/m²/day. In contrast, films produced using Lucofin^® Breathable masterbatches can easily achieve WVTR values of 2,000 g/m²/day, with MOCON-measured performance levels reaching up to 12,000 g/m²/day under optimized conditions.

What is particularly remarkable about these results is that they come despite the higher CaCO₃ content, which traditionally would be expected to reduce mechanical integrity. In fact, Lucofin^®-based films maintain – and in some cases improve – mechanical strength and flexibility, offering a unique combination of breathability and durability.

Another important metric is the water column test, which measures a film’s resistance to water penetration under pressure. While standard breathable films typically reach 230 mm, films based on Lucofin^® achieve 240 mm, demonstrating strong barrier properties even at higher filler loads.

From a sensory perspective, the haptic quality of Lucofin^® films is also enhanced – they feel soft and fine, with a cloth-like texture that improves user comfort in hygiene applications.

Finally, even with a moderate stretch ratio of just 1:1.6, Lucofin^® compounds deliver exceptional results in WVTR and film thinness (GSM) – proving that efficient performance does not have to come at the cost of material complexity or excessive stretching.