The BASF group (HQ: D-67056 Ludwigshafen) is by its own account "one of the first manufacturers worldwide" to be in a position to produce polyethylene on an industrial scale using metallocene catalysts (see Plasteurope.com No 18, back page). The PEs are copolymers of ethylene with alpha olefins and are sold under the trade name "Luflexen." According to BASF, the PE metallocene catalysts are "especially well suited" for use in its high pressure tubular reactor processes, as they can be metered in homogeneously as a solution to produce low density copolymers. The group said it was possible to transfer this process to an existing production facility "in a very short time." The new polymer family has "highly interesting, in some instances novel properites, which stem from the special molecular structure," said BASF. The portfolio encompasses three types, for the production of blown films and flat films, as well as injection mouldng applications.

Meanwhile, BASF has developed and patented a drop-in metallocene catalyst for polypropylene production, described as ideally suited to be used with the gas phase process, for which it is the leading licensor. The group said the new catalyst, characterised by "high productivity," can be used to produce homopolymers, as well as random and impact copolymers and is also suitable for manufacture of "very high molecular products." Homopolymers produced with the new metallocene catalysts are said to be particularly well suited for spinning of manmade fibres and for production of orientated films. The monopolymers, said BASF, show "improved mechanical properties," while impact copolymers can be custom tailored to the desired application. According to the group, PP produced by its metallocene route can be processed "without problem," using the well known technologies.

READER SERVICE: Press conference speech "Luflexen" (English) by Dr. Günter Hatzmann, BASF polyethylene business unit: PIE-No. 38320.