What Are Linear Low Density Polyethylene Plastics?

By Author: RajChopra
Total Articles: 9
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Linear Low Density Polyethylene Plastics (LLDPE) is regarded as polyethylene or polymer that relatively has shorter branches. The LLDPE is usually made by the process of the co-polymerization of ethylene that has long-chain olefins. LLDPE tends to differ structurally from the traditional LDPE –Low-density Polyethylene. This is usually because long chain branching is absent in the given process. The overall linearity that is present in the Linear Low Density Polyethylene is due to the difference in the multiple manufacturing processes of both the LDPE and LLDPE.

Generally, LLDPE is made at lower pressure and temperature settings by the process of the co-polymerization of ethylene along with other higher grades of alpha-olefins including octene, hexene, and butene. The process of co-polymerization tends to produce the LLDPE polymer having a narrow molecular weight distribution in comparison to the conventional LDPE. Moreover, there is a combination of the polymer with a liner structure –particularly with variant rheological properties.

Production & Properties of LLDPE

The production of Linear Low ...
... Density Polyethylene gets initiated by transition metal catalysts –specifically Philips or Ziegler type of catalyst. The actual process of polymerization is carried out either in the gas phase reactors or the solution phase. Generally, octene is regarded as the commoner in the given solution phase while hexene and butene are together co-polymerized along with ethylene in the respective gas phase reactor. LLDPE tends to have a high tensile strength along with a higher value for puncture resistance and impact in comparison to the conventional LDPE. Moreover, LLDPE is also known to be highly flexible and is able to elongate effectively under stress.

The LLDPE can be used for manufacturing thinner films having better resistance to stress cracking in the given environment. Linear Low Density Polyethylene also tends to have better resistance to chemicals. It is also known for its amazing electrical properties. However, it is a difficult task to process in comparison to LDPE. This is because LLDPE tends to have a lower heat sealing range along with a lower gloss value.

Applications of LLDPE

LLDPE is known to have penetrated in almost all possible traditional markets for the existing polyethylene. LLDPE is used for making plastic sheets and plastic bags –allowing the utilization of lower thickness in comparison to LDPE. The material is also used for making stretch wraps, plastic wraps, covers, toys, pouches, lids, containers & buckets, geomembranes, cable coverings, and other flexible forms of tubing.

Linear Low density Polyethylene LLDPE is also used for manufacturing plastic injection molds, film manufacturing, blow molding, auto molding, and other areas. A variety of grades in LLDPE serve to be a wide range of the applications of the material including general & flexible packaging, films, housewares, carrier bags, hardware, dustbins, caps, doormats, containers, toys, threaded closures, water pipes, and so more. The UV-stabilized grades of LLDPE are known to be well-suited for a wide range of applications that would require amazing dimensional control, retention of color & physical properties, and minimal warping.