The Role of Process Technology on Microstructure, Melt Viscoelasticity and Film Properties of LDPE Grades Having the Same Macrostructures

There are two basic LDPE technologies (tubular and autoclave) with each licensor adding specific variations. The current trend to larger reactors clearly favours the tubularprocess, while any trend to most specialties would favour the autoclave process [1]. The important concern here is thecorrect selection of LDPE grade for specific application suchas multi layer film formulation. Since the process technology affects the molecular architecture and hence the properties,one should pay more attention to microstructure, melt viscoelasticity and film properties especially in grades withthe same macrostructural properties [2]. In this regard two LDPE grades with the same MFI and density -as the major macrostructural properties- produced in tubular and autoclavetechnologies are chose and their microstructure, melt viscolasticity and some of film properties are compared to clarify the role of process technology on their characteristics