Difference Between LLDPE and Metallocene LLDPE

The key difference between LLDPE and metallocene LLDPE is that LLDPE has a low impact and puncture resistance compared to metallocene LLDPE.

LLDPE is a linear low-density polyethylene. It is different from LDPE (low-density polyethylene) structurally because LLDPE has no long chain branching. The linearity of LLDPE arises due to its different manufacturing process. Metallocene LLDPE is a derivative of LLDPE.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is LLDPE 
3. What is Metallocene LLDPE
4. Side by Side Comparison – LLDPE vs Metallocene LLDPE in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is LLDPE

LLDPE is a linear low-density polyethylene. It is a linear polymer with short-chain branching, and we produce it via copolymerization of ethylene with olefins having longer chains. We need to use low temperatures and pressures during this production. The final product of this process gives a narrow molecular weight distribution. Furthermore, the catalyst we use for this manufacturing process is Ziegler catalyst.

The polymerization can be done in either solution phase or gas phase. Moreover, when considering its properties, LLDPE has high tensile strength, high impact and puncture resistance when compared to LDPE. Moreover, this material is very flexible. It can elongate under stress.

What is Metallocene LLDPE

Metallocene LLDPE is the form of linear low-density polyethylene we produce using the metallocene catalyst. We denote it as mLLDPE. This material has excellent impact and puncture resistance.

Furthermore, it gives heat seal benefits. The important properties of metallocene LLDPE make it suitable in high-performance film applications in the food and medicinal fields.

Difference Between LLDPE and Metallocene LLDPE

LLDPE is linear low-density polyethylene while Metallocene LLDPE is the form of linear low-density polyethylene we produce using the metallocene catalyst. The key difference between LLDPE and metallocene LLDPE is that LLDPE has a low impact and puncture resistance compared to metallocene LLDPE.

Moreover, LLDPE is useful in the production of plastic bags, sheets, plastic wrap, pouches, toys, covers, etc. while Metallocene LLDPE is useful in high-performance film applications such as food and medical packaging, heavy-duty sacks, agriculture film and other non-packaging applications like insulation.

Below infographic provides more details on the difference between LLDPE and metallocene LLDPE.

Summary – LLDPE vs Metallocene LLDPE

LLDPE is a linear low-density polyethylene while metallocene LLDPE is the form of linear low-density polyethylene that we produce using the metallocene catalyst. The key difference between LLDPE and metallocene LLDPE is that LLDPE has a low impact and puncture resistance compared to that of metallocene LLDPE.

Reference:

1.“Plastic Bottles, Tubing & Fittings, Tanks, Buckets, Pipe, Sheet & Labware.” U.S. Plastic Corp, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “LLDPE” By Cjp24 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “781096” (CC0) via Pxhere