Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is a substantially linear polymer (polyethylene) , with significant numbers of short branches, commonly made by copolymerization of ethylene with longer-chain olefins. Linear low-density polyethylene differs structurally from conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) because of the absence of long chain branching. The linearity of LLDPE results from the different manufacturing processes of LLDPE and LDPE. In general, LLDPE is produced at lower temperatures and pressures by copolymerization of ethylene and such higher alpha-olefins as butene, hexene , or octene . The copolymerization process produces a LLDPE polymer that has a narrower molecular weight distribution than conventional LDPE and in combination with the linear structure, significantly different rheological properties.
LLDPE has penetrated almost all traditional markets for polyethylene; it is used for plastic bags and sheets (where it allows using lower thickness than comparable LDPE), plastic wrap , stretch wrap , pouches, toys, covers, lids, pipes, buckets and containers, covering of cables, geomembranes , and mainly flexible tubing. In 2013, the world market for LLDPE reached a volume of $40 billion.
LLDPE manufactured by using metallocene catalysts is labeled mLLDPE.
Density | 0.915 g/cm3 |
---|---|
Surface hardness | SD48 |
Tensile strength | 30 MPa |
Flexural modulus | 0.35 GP |
Notched izod | 1.06+ kJ/ma |
Linear expansion | 20×10−5/°C |
Elongation at break | 500% |
Strain at yield | 20% |
Max. operating temp. | 50 °C |
Water absorption | 0.01% |
Oxygen index | 17% |
Flammability | HB |
Volume resistivity | 1016 Ω·cm |
Dielectric strength | 25 MV/m |
Dissipation factor 1 kHz | 909090 |
Dielectric constant 1 kHz | 2.3 |
HDT @ 0.45 MPa | 45 °C |
HDT @ 1.80 MPa | 37 °C |
Material drying | NA |
Melting Temp. Range | 120 to 160 °C |
Mould Shrinkage | 3% |
Mould temp. range | 22 to 60 °C |