TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Creativity with Plastics
Research scientists from Dow have developed a novel architecture for polyethylene (PE). This differentiated long-chain branched PE offers asset flexibility. It has the potential to reduce carbon emissions in industrial-scale polyethylene production. Science recently published a technical paper on this discovery.
Good Processing Properties
"
Dow has a bold vision to create the materials and solutions that contribute to addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and plastic waste while meeting evolving customer needs,” said Stephanie Kalil, senior global business director, Packaging & Specialty Plastics. “
This is a game-changing innovation by Dow’s research & development team that will further strengthen Dow’s industry-leading product portfolio.”
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was the first plastic developed 90 years ago. It remains the primary material used to incorporate the long-chain branched PE necessary to aid in polymer processing. The development of novel polymer microstructures is of ongoing interest due to the potential for differentiated properties.
Researchers have achieved this with a unique mechanism where the catalyst has two growing polymer chains on the same metal and a diene couples the chains together in a concerted manner (ladder process). The kinetics of the mechanism allows for favorable operation and the novel PE formed has good processing properties.
Allows Downgauging which in turn Reduces Material Usage and Wastage
The ability to produce long-chain branched PE in different reactor configurations provides greater asset flexibility and the potential for a reduced carbon footprint in industry scale polyethylene production. In addition, the multi-purpose PE could allow downgauging of end-use applications, such as packaging. This allows for a reduction in material usage and waste avoidance.
“
The ladder technology is an example of the unique catalysis and mechanisms that help unlock novel microstructures and differentiated properties,” said Dave Parrillo, vice president of Research & Development (R&D), Packaging & Specialty Plastics and Hydrocarbons. “
This breakthrough will allow Dow to expand the polyethylene design space to create lower carbon emissions, circular, and safer products for packaging, infrastructure, consumer, transportation, and health and hygiene applications.”
This research was led by Robert Froese, research scientist, and a team of researchers from Midland, Michigan, Lake Jackson, Texas, and Terneuzen, The Netherlands. This technology showcases Dow’s drive for innovation to achieve our sustainability goals.
Source: Dow
