New polyethylene resin for potential use in range of blown film applications

22-Oct-09

A new polyethylene (PE) resin for potential use in a wide range of blown film applications has been commercially launched by LyondellBasell Industries. Produced using LyondellBasell's Spherilene gas phase process technology that employs a unique catalysis system, the Lupolen GX 4081 resin exhibits a melt flow rate of 1.4 g/10min and a density of 0.935 g/cm³. The new grade features a superior balance of mechanical properties, and a unique combination of stiffness and toughness that offers significant downgauging potential - up to double digits, for numerous flexible packaging applications. Tests have shown that films produced with the resins can achieve a dart drop impact of 330 grams, measured on 50µm film. These resins can be easily blended with standard LDPEs and have a wide application potential ranging from agricultural and industrial film to food packaging film. Film produced using the new resin shows a low coefficient of friction (CoF), offering easy processability on film conversion equipment without the need for slipping and antiblocking agents. The new grade also exhibits good bubble stability and a low gel level.