Unipol II LLDPEGas Phase LLDPE for the Shrink Market

Abstract

A new Unipol II gas phase linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) resin is one of the first LLDPEs to extrude into film with positive transverse direction (TD) shrink at common blow-up ratios (BURs). This resin shows comparable extrudability to fractional melt index high pressure low density polyethylenes (HP-LDPEs), i.e., it can be extruded on the film equipment that cannot process standard LLDPE narrow molecular weight distribution resins. The amount of TD shrinkage at various gauges, die gaps, and BURs is presented and contrasted with standard HP-LDPE counterparts. The properties of New LLDPE Resin A rich blends with HP-LDPE are also delineated. Other important shrink properties such as melt stress and cold stress (holding power on the shrink wrapped unit) are discussed. Possibilities for improved value in use through downgauging are considered based on both shrink and physical properties.