HDPE Barrier Film Resins - MW and MWD Effects - and their Blends with mLLPDE

Abstract

High density polyethylene (HDPE) resins were produced via the multi-reactor, Mitsui, stirred slurry process to give a `four corners' type of product matrix with high and low molecular weights (MW) and broad and narrow molecular weight distributions (MWDs). Density was kept constant. Film processing and physical properties - including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor transmission rates - are presented. Lower MW and narrower MWD favor better barrier properties. The best barrier HDPE resin was blended with mLLDPE and films blown from these blends demonstrated the potential for application specific film strength and optical property tailoring while maintaining high barrier performance.