LyondellBasell Introduces Low Density Polyethylene Resin

LyondellBasell Industries has launched a new low density polyethylene (LDPE) resin for use in injection molding and masterbatch applications. The new Lupolen 1800U grade features a balance of mechanical properties and a combination of easy processability, toughness, softness and dimensional stability.

The company said that the resin complements its existing LDPE product range used in injection molding and addresses market requirements for applications such as flexible, thin-walled container lids.

The company claims that owing to its Lupotech T high pressure tubular process technology, the Lupolen 1800U grade provides better processing characteristics than LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), which is widely used in packaging and thin-wall injection molding applications such as housewares and caps and closures.

LyondellBasell added that due to its flowability, the resin can be considered for use in injection molding, color and additive masterbatches, and as a viscosity modifier for compounds. The grade also contributes to very good dispersion and homogenization of pigments and additives.

Lupolen 1800U resins are now available for market introduction and will be produced on a commercial scale in the company’s European Lupotech T plants.

Christof Justus, polyethylene marketing manager at LyondellBasell, said: “Lupolen 1800U grade is additive-free, and achieves thermal stability without the use of additives, unlike LLDPE which requires additives to achieve the same level of performance. This will enable our customers to manufacture finished products and compounds free of materials that can interfere with successful production.”