Advanced Solution Process Technology for Cast Film Applications: New Opportunities Using Novel Catalyst Technologies

Using a new advanced solution technology, NOVA Chemicals Corporation has developed an improved family of polyethylene resins, some of which are ideally suited for specific applications, for example, medium density for hygiene films and linear low density for stretch films. This new technology has been used to produce polyethylene resins with tailored molecular structure and processability. This new technology is based on an improved solution polymerization process using a new Ziegler-Natta catalyst. The rheological properties, particularly draw resonance, together with the physical and mechanical properties of cast films made from these new resins are presented in this paper. In addition, there is a discussion on the results of an investigation on the effects that different types and levels of stabilizers have on resin processing behavior and film stability.