Abstract: Processing parameters of polypropylene and/or polyethylene are adjusted by combining them with a non-fluorinated process aid. The process aid is an oleochemical derivative and/or a wax having a viscosity of from 10 cP to 100 cP. The wax is a branched ethylene-propylene copolymer. The processing parameter, e.g., pressure at the die, or volumetric output is adjusted for the polypropylene and/or polyethylene compared to the polypropylene and/or polyethylene without the non-fluorinated process aid at the same processing conditions. The mechanical properties of an extruded polymeric article including the non-fluorinated process aid are the same or are improved compared to the same composition without the non-fluorinated polymer processing aid or one that includes a fluorinated processing aid.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a processing parameter of a polymer is provided. The method has the steps a) and b). Step a) is combining polymer i) which is polypropylene and/or polyethylene with a process aid ii) to provide a polymer composition. Polymer i) has a peak molecular weight Mp and a polydispersity index PDI of 7 or higher. Step b) is processing the polymer composition at a processing condition. The processing parameter is adjusted at the processing condition for the polymer composition compared to a comparative polymer composition A); and a comparative polymer composition B). Comparative polymer composition A) lacks the process aid ii) but is otherwise identical to the polymer composition. Comparative polymer composition B) includes a comparative polymer having the same composition and Mp as polymer i) and a PDI less than polymer i) instead of the polymer i), but is otherwise identical to the polymer composition.