Linear low density polyethylene: Microstructure and sealing properties correlation

The microstructures of four commercial linear low density polyethylenes (LLDPE) were evaluated and correlated with their sealing properties. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (TREF), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Crystallization Analysis Fractionation (CRYSTAF) experiments revealed that the comonomer distribution is one of the main factors that influence the sealing properties. The superior sealing performance showed by metallocene LLDPE samples in comparison to Ziegler-Natta LLDPE samples can be attributed to their well balanced chemical composition distribution.