Document Abstract
ANTEC Papers: 2000
0360: Investigation of Rotational Moulding Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Metallocene Polyethylene
Wang X, The Queens University of Belfast, Northern Ireland Crawford, R.J, The University of Auckland, New Zealand Fatnes, A.M, Borealis AS, Norway Harkin-Jones.E, The Queens University of Belfast, Northern Ireland
Metallocene grades of polyethylene offer exciting opportunities for the rotational moulding industry. However, as they have only become commercially available in the last few years, their full potential has yet to be exploited. This paper reports on the results of an experimental investigation in which processing conditions are related to the microstructure and mechanical properties of three grades of metallocene polyethylene. The materials have been characterised by dynamic parallel plate rheological tests, NMR spectra and DMTA. The results obtained from equivalent standard grades of polyethylene are used as a basis for comparison. It is shown that the metallocene materials possess many rheological and physical properties that are desirable in rotational moulding. A detailed understanding of the unique nature of these materials is necessary in order to take full advantage of their properties in rotational moulding.