ABSTRACT
The addition of alpha olefins during the polymerization of ethylene results in a polymer which has a density similar to that of Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), but with the linearity of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE dust can cause eye and skin irritation. Linear LDPE (LLDPE) is made in the same way as HDPE except for the choice of comonomer and catalyst. Gas-phase processes are gaining ground at the expense of suspension and solution routes; about 70% of LLDPE capacity is based on swing plants capable of producing HDPE and LLDPE. The largest outlet for LLDPE, consuming 66–70% of total demand, is in film applications where it is replacing LDPE. LLDPE is expected to continue its substitution of LDPE and growth is estimated at 7% per year from 1990–1993 in North America where higher penetration has already been achieved, compared to 10–20% in the rest of the world.
