Polyethylene Composition for Tape Processability

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Solution Overview

Problem

High density polyethylene resins used for tape, fiber, and monofilament production have poor processability, leading to lower output and higher energy consumption due to insufficient residual tensile energy.

Innovation Solution

Development of polyethylene compositions with a density greater than 0.945 g/cc, melt index between 1.2 g/10 min and 2.0 g/10 min, melt flow ratio between 7.0 and 9.0, and molecular weight distribution of less than 5.5, utilizing ethylene/alpha-olefin polymers produced through conventional polymerization processes, such as solution phase polymerization with Ziegler-Natta catalysts, to enhance processability and residual tensile energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high density polyethylene is used, then the material has high residual tensile energy, but the processability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual tensile energyVSAvoidprocessability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the melt index (I2.16 from 1.2 to 2.0 g/10 min), melt flow ratio (I10/I2.16 between 7.0 and 9.0), and molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn of less than 5.5) to optimize both processability and residual tensile energy. This systematic adjustment of physical parameters resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer compositions that combine multiple polymer characteristics to achieve both good processability and adequate residual tensile energy. The composite nature of the copolymer allows balancing the properties that would be contradictory in homopolymers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If high density polyethylene is used, then the material structure is stable, but the output is lower and energy consumption is higher

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial structure stabilityVSAvoidoutput
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes processing parameters including melt index, melt flow ratio, and molecular weight distribution to enable more efficient processing. These parameter changes allow the material to maintain structural stability while improving productivity and reducing energy consumption during processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting polyethylene tapes, fibers, or monofilaments exhibit improved processability and residual tensile energy, enabling higher output and reduced energy consumption during machine direction orientation, suitable for forming woven or knitted structures like sheeting, drapes, and industrial fabrics.

Implementation Method 1

ethylene/alpha-olefin polymers produced through conventional polymerization processes, such as solution phase polymerization with Ziegler-Natta catalysts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11124902B2Polyethylene compositions for the preparation of tapes, fibers, or monofilaments
Publication Date: 2021.09.21 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A polyethylene tape, fiber, or monofilament comprising an ethylene/alpha-olefin polymer having a density greater than 0.945 g/cc, a melt index, I2.16, from 1.2 g/10 min to 2.0 g/10 min, a melt flow ratio, I10/I2.16, between 7.0 and 9.0, and a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, of less than 5.5.