POLYETHYLENE SOLUTIONS - EXPERT PAPER

Polyethylenes are thermoplastic resins obtained by polymerizing the gas ethylene [C2H4]. Because of its exceptional application flexibility, polyethylene’s rise in popularity for both consumer and industrial uses means that today it is the largest volume plastic in the world.

Low density polyethylenes (LDPE) are polymerized at very high pressures and temperatures, and the high density types (HDPE) at relatively low temperatures and pressures. Another type called linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) is manufactured through a variety of processes, of which gas phase is the most common. This most widely used Polyethylene process yields both HDPE and LLDPE with a wide range of copolymers. The simplicity of the process accounts for its popularity: A high efficiency catalyst system aids in the polymerization of ethylene and allows for lower temperatures and pressures than those required in making conventional low density polyethylene. In addition, it accommodates a broad range of interesting property combinations used in both HDPE and LLDPE markets.