Metallocene alternatives
15 Jan 2000
Metallocene catalysts are posing problems for plastics producers, especially because of the thicket of patents held by companies such as Dow and Exxon. Canadian polyolefin producer Nova has now developed a non-metallocene catalyst which, it claims can surpass those made with metallocenes.
Metallocene catalysts promote the formation of polymer strands with a narrow molecular weight distribution, giving a product that is stronger and more transparent, but less processable, than those made with Ziegler-Natta catalysts. Nova claims that its catalyst produces resins that are `as good as or better than metallocene polyethylene resins in many applications.' The broader molecular weight distribution makes them more processable, but the mechanical and optical properties are not sacrificed, the company claims.
212 ON ENQUIRY CARD
