METALLOCENE

You’re probably not asking what metallocene is; rather what metallocene can do for you, right ?

In general terms polyethylenes made with metallocene catalyst have very specific properties. We’re excited because this holy plastic grail helps us prescribe the most specific solution to the needs of your application. So either call and describe what you’re trying to accomplish, read on or both….

• Q. What is metallocene in English ? A. tiny particles of positively charged metal ions sandwiched between two rings of carbon atoms that have five atoms apiece. Also known as “single-site” catalysts, so named because they have one single active site per catalyst particle, each identical from one particle to another.
  
  
• Q. So we’re talking about a catalyst; how does this affect the attributes of the resin and film ? A. translates into very pure, consistent properties. Makes a wide variety possible ranging from soft and melting at a low temperature to crispy and clear with good heat resistance.
  
  
• Q. How can this make a better package ? A. Chances are you can reduce the wall thickness since metallocene is stronger than old fashioned LDPE or even LLDPE. Less plastic, less money. Wait - there’s more. Lower seal initiation temperature and faster sealing provide faster cycle speeds and forgiving seals through contaminants.
  
  
• Q. What is the difference between metallocene and EVA and why does it make EVA obsolete ? A. EVA is short for “ethylene vinyl acetate” which means that vinyl acetate ( a MONOMER ) is chemically spliced with ethylene ( a MONOMER ) to make EVA CO-polymer. In the 1960’s it was a dramatic improvement, providing easier sealability, strength and clarity at low percentages. Drawbacks include increased softness as VA content increases, higher MVTR, a pungent apple odor and price. We blend metallocenes to mimic any EVA without the trade-offs.