Why Polyolefins
Polyolefins (PO) are non-polar polymers. As an Agent of leading PO providers we are marketing and promoting two thermoplastics: PolyEthylene (PE) and PolyPropylene (PP) to Bulgarian customers. Today they address more than half of total plastics consumption worldwide.
- In the 1930's ICI developed Low Density Polyethylene, where the ethylene polymerization was carried out under high pressure;
- In 1953 Karl Ziegler discovered the polymerization of the ethylene under low pressure by the presence of catalyst and the polymer thus obtained, has High Density;
- In 1954 Guilio Natta discovered the stereo-specific polymerization of polypropylene, obtained under low pressure;
- In 1963 Ziegler and Natta received the Nobel price in Chemistry in the field of chemistry and technology of high polymers.
Changes in the chain of the consumption of the natural resources and the environment, the energy use and the globalization will have highest impact on the research and the development in the chemical industry.
Excerpt of the Polyolefine Cycle
Crude oil/ Natural Gas→Cracker - Feed (e.g. Naphtha)→(Catalyst) Monomer (C2, C3)→Raw Polymer (White powder) → (Additives) Polymer→Semifinished Article→Finished Article→Recycling
With the years the market development became demanding - from commodity to engineering and high performance plastics today. The basis of all state-of-the-art processes is catalysts which are two groups: Ziegler/ Natta catalysts and Single Site (metallocene) systems.
Substantial investments in the capacity development of polymerization facilities in Middle East and Europe, and the replacement of older capacity will affect global trade flows.
The key properties are determined by the molecular mass and its distribution. Main parameters of polymer properties are melt flow index, density, melting temperature and tensile properties.
Advantages to use the polyolefins:
- Savings on costs;
- Low density;
- High melting point;
- Good solvent resistance;
- Hardness and gloss surface;
- Easy processability and recycability;
- Modification in broad range;
- Substitution of other plastics material;
- Environmentally-friendly performance.
The tendency nowadays is to optimize optics, mechanics and processability at the same time.