Metallocene catalyst technology, in the forefront for the last
decade, has been used in solution polymerization technique to produce
polyolefin plastomers with high comonomer contents and lower crystallinity.
Such new plastomers developed by Dow have density of about 0.87
and very little crystallinity. Due to their high flow characteristics,
they can be used in hot melt adhesives as a replacement for EVA.
These plastomers are more resistant to oxidative degradation, and
provide better colour retention and more consistent sealing characteristics.
Additional advantages of lower filter plugging, etc. in hot melt
adhesives are provided by plastomers. Another interesting application
is Tie layer for multi laminate structures giving excellent flexibility.
They have also been evaluated as polymer modifiers to impart flexibility
and improve flow characteristics in TPOS as well as SBS/SEBS systems.
Additionally, they prevent blooming of the material on the surface
because of their higher molecular weights and excellent compatibility.
These plastomers are able to perform better in the highly filled
compositions and hence found better for manufacture of masterbatches.
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