SPE Polyolefins Conference 2005

Low Density and Linear Low Density

Polyethylene Presentation

Presented by J. Bayley
NOVA Chemicals Corporation

Note: The content of this presentation is intended for basic learning, the content may
not describe or encompass all aspects of materials and processes

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Overview of Presentation Topics
• Feedstock for the Manufacture of Polyethylene
• Polyethylene Basics
Unit 1 - LDPE Unit 2 - LLDPE
• Manufacturing Processes • Molecular Information
• Properties • Comonomer Information
• Applications • Properties
• Future for LDPE • Catalyst vs Properties
• Manufacturing Processes
• Applications
• Future of LLDPE

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Natural Gas to Ethane to
Ethylene….

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Ethane Supply System

Gas Field Gas Plant Pipeline

Reprocessing Petrochemical
Plant Ethane
Industry

Residue Energy Markets

Natural Gas

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Natural Gas Components
Pipeline System Export
Post Gas Plant Post Straddle Plant
C1 Methane 90 – 100% > 98%
C2 Ethane 3 – 10% < 2%
C3 Propane
C4 Butane < 1% 0
C5+ Pentane plus
H20 Water 0
H2S Sulphur 0
CO2 Carbon dioxide 2% < 2%

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Gas Plant - Separate Components

Methane / Ethane / Carbon Dioxide

Nitrogen / Propane / Butane

Ethane / Propane

Butane / Pentanes
Water

Ethane
Methane
Butane Propane
Pentanes
Pentanes Water Natural Gas
Nitrogen Pipeline
Carbon Dioxide
Liquids Pipeline
Natural Gas Field
Reinjected underground
Contains many
components in varying
proportions
© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation
Pipeline Straddle Plant

r
r

nize
nize

izer
izer
Extraction and

ropa

utan
than
etha
Fractionation

De-p

De-b
De-e
Dem
Methane
Ethane
tor

der
& C02
yd ra

pan
De h

o-ex

Propane
Turb

Butane

Pentane Plus
Natural Gas

Water

Natural Gas to Fuel Markets

Confidential
© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation
 Ethylene Manufacturing from Ethane
H H H H
H C C H C C H2 Co-products
800° C
H H then fractionate H H
Ethane (C2 H6) -160° C
Ethylene (C2 H4) hydrogen
• In simple terms Ethane is converted into Ethylene (thermal
decomposition) at high temperature in a steam furnace or cracker
• Refrigeration is used to separate the various components, co-products,
etc.
• The furnace and auxiliary components are designed to efficiently
produce as much Ethylene as possible and as few co-products as
possible
• Co-Products such as Hydrogen, CO2 etc. can be sold for other uses

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Brief History of Polyethylene
• PE synthesis discovered accidentally in 1932 by Imperial Chemical
Company (ICI) Scientists
• First High Pressure LDPE plant built in 1939
• In 1953, large advancements were made by Scientist Carl Ziegler,
inventor of a new catalyst system. A scientist named Giulio Natta
also shares credit for this catalyst development
• Known today as the Ziegler-Natta Catalyst (Z/N), this catalyst
facilitated polymer synthesis at lower temperatures and pressures -
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) materials were introduced
soon after
• In the late 1970’s LLDPE materials were introduced to the market
• Significant Catalyst advances since that time with the advent of
single-site catalysts

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Polyethylene is ...
• A polymer of ETHYLENE or a copolymer of ethylene
and a comonomer
• ETHYLENE - a gas composed of two carbons and four
hydrogen molecules. Formula: C2H4 The monomer unit
for polyethylene forms the backbone of the compound:

H2C=CH2

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation
 Some Basic Definitions
• Monomer - A chemical compound that can undergo
polymerization. The basic building block of a polymer
• Comonomer - One of the constituents of a copolymer
• Copolymer - A product of copolymerization
• Copolymerization - Polymerization of two different
monomers
• Homopolymer - Manufactured with no comonomer, with
ethylene only

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Practical Illustration of Polyethylene
Designations
LDPE
(0.917 to 0.935 g/cc)

HDPE
(0.955 to 0.970 g/cc)

LLDPE
(0.905 to 0.955 g/cc)

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Polyethylene Designations
Polyethylene is classified by density ranges, as defined by
ASTM:
• LDPE Type I 0.910 - 0.925 g/cc
• MDPE Type II 0.926 - 0.940 g/cc
• HDPE Type III 0.941 - 0.960 g/cc (Copolymer)
• HDPE Type IV >0.961 g/cc (Homopolymer)

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Unit 1

PE Introduction and LDPE

Overview

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 LDPE
• Molecular Structure LDPE - Long Chain Branching (LCB)
results in unique polymer properties

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 LDPE Manufacturing Processes

Two main LDPE manufacturing processes in use:

• High Pressure Tubular Reactors

• High Pressure Autoclave Reactors

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 LDPE Tubular Reactors (Simplified)
• A tubular LDPE Reactor is a long heat exchanger
• Free Radical polymerization uses Peroxide initiators or Oxygen to
promote polymerization reactions
• Ethylene is circulated through a compressor - the main
pressurization of the feed stream is accomplished by a hyper
compressor
• Initiators are introduced at various points along the length of the
tube - Zone temperatures are accurately controlled
• No backmixing takes place in the tubular system, residence time is
limited/short
• The exothermic heat of reaction is removed via water jackets on the
outside walls of the tube
• Upon exiting the reactor the material passes through medium
pressure and low pressure separators (separates Ethylene from PE),
PE moves to the extruder
© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation
 Resin Manufacturing
High Pressure Tubular
PREHEATER

Primary Secondary
Compressor Compressor

Initiator
Telogen

TUBULAR REACTOR

Coolers

S
E
RAW P
Wax A
PRODUCT
Drum Knockout R
SILO
Pots A
HOPPER T
O
R
To Disposal

To Finishing Gear Pump and

Pelletizer

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 LDPE Autoclave Reactors (Simplified)
• Free radical type of polymerization uses Peroxide initiators typically
• System utilizes a stirred cylindrical vessel
• Ethylene feed gas and Peroxide are introduced to a compressor and then
pumped with Peroxide initiator into the stirred autoclave vessel
• Proprietary designs baffle or partition the reactor into discreet zones
enabling control of molecular species and amount of LCB of polymer in
these zones
• Backmixing does take place in the autoclave system
• Walls of the autoclave unit are thick to accommodate high pressure -
Heat of reaction is removed by the introduction of fresh feed
• Upon exiting the reactor the material passes through medium pressure
and low pressure separators (separates Ethylene from LDPE polymer)
• Polymer enters the pelletization process to be pelletized

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Resin Manufacturing
High Pressure Autoclave
VA Voluntary
Telogen
Monomer MA Purge
Monomer

Primary Secondary Initiator

REACTOR SEPARATOR
Compressor Compressor

Methane
< C3
to Flare

RAW
PRODUCT HOPPER
Hourly
SILO D D
Hold-Up C
E E
Hoppers 2
M P
E R
S
T O
P
H P
L
A A
I
N N
T
I I
T
Z Z
Gear Pump and E
E E
To Finishing Pelletizer R
R R

Ethane to C2 Solvent/Monomer
Flare Removal

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Comparison of High Pressure Autoclave and Tubular LDPE Manufacturing Processes

Information Autoclave Tubular

Length 20 ft Up to 1 mile
Internal Diameter 3 ft 1-3 inches ID
Rx Temperature Range (°F) 350-500 350-600

Pressure within Rx (PSI) 15000-30000 20000-50000

Initiator Types Organic Peroxide Organic Peroxide or Oxygen

Typical Polymer Conversion Approx. 22% Approx. 35%

Ranges per pass (varies with product mix) (varies with product mix)

Back Mixing Capability Yes No

General Observation More precise tailoring of Less capable of molecular

MW, MWD and Long tailoring and less uniform long
chain branching (LCB) chain branching (LCB)

General Observation Comb-like LCB structure Root-like LCB structure

(Note: This table provides general information. Technology may exist that is not encompassed by or include in this table. The information is
intended for basic learning purposes only.)

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Properties of LDPE Materials LDPE Materials

Softness Softer and more pliable than other PE types

Permeability Higher, due to long chain branching and lower % crystallinity

Clarity Available in high clarity for film applications - Improves clarity

of LLDPE when blended with LDPE in low amounts

Processing Shear thins in extrusion - processes easily at lower amps and

pressures relative to LLDPE or HDPE

Equipment Needs Screw/Die designed for LDPE required if extruding 100% LDPE

Melt Strength Much higher than LLDPE due to presence of long chain side
branched molecules - (Important for film blowing, foam etc.)

Other Pros Less prone to melt fracture than LLDPE or HDPE

Suitability as a Blend Resin Good, commonly used, can be detrimental to physical properties-
LDPE is generally blended to improve ease of extrusion, increase
melt strength or improve clarity of the end product
Shrink Properties Possesses desirable biaxial shrink properties for shrink film

Limitations Absolute physical properties lowest in class - extensional

limitations or drawdown limitations exist - LLDPE and HDPE
can be drawn much thinner in blown or cast film processes

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 LDPE Applications
• LDPE is still an important PE type
• The unique attributes of LDPE due to LCB provide
desirable properties for some specific product applications
• LDPE is used at 100% in some applications such as
conventional Shrink Film, Extrusion Coating, Wire and
Cable Jacketing, LDPE Foam etc.
• LDPE is used as a property modifier in film and sheeting
applications and is often blended with LLDPE (to improve
clarity, processability, output rates, etc.)

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 2002 APC-LDPE Volume by End Use Process
(based on Amercian Plastics Council 2002 Data)
Blow Molding
1% Sheet (greater than 12
m il)
Injection Molding 1%
6%
Other Extruded Products
9%

Film (less than 12 m il)

Extrusion Coating 44%
16%

Other (Resellers,
Com pounders)
23%

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 LDPE Common Applications
• Film Applications - Garment Films, Industrial Liner,
Lamination films, Coextruded Food Packaging, Bakery
Films, Film Blends (with LLDPE) for food packaging,
Shrink Overwrap, Kitchen Cling Film, etc.
• Extrusion Coating Applications - Paper Board Coating,
Package Coating, Coating of other substrates (Examples
foil coating, drink box coating, etc.)
• Injection Molding - Lids, Caps and Closures
• Other Examples - Wire and Cable applications, PE Foam,
Pipe and Conduit, Non-abrasive films, Blow Molded
squeeze bottles, etc.

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 The Future of LDPE
• Conventional LDPE has existed for many years and was
predicted to be replaced by LLDPE
• LDPE future capacity growth is likely to be less than for
LLDPE, though demand continues to be strong for LDPE
• LDPE is valued as performance modifier for extrusion
processing or to obtain desired physical properties such as
clarity
• Manufacturers can be expected to push the boundaries of
their processes and exploit existing technology, but
significant advances in resin morphology are not widely
expected to occur in this class of materials

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Unit 2

Introduction to LLDPE

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 LLDPE - General Information
• Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) is made by the
copolymerization of ethylene and a comonomer
- (Example: Ethylene and Octene copolymerized - can be described as
an Ethylene-Octene Copolymer)
• LLDPE is composed of long linear molecules, the main
polymer chain is composed of long strings of repeating
Ethylene units - Short side chains (from comonomer) link onto
the main polymer chains
• LLDPE typically has no long chain branching (LCB)
• LLDPE materials are typically copolymers but terpolymers and
quatropolymers have also been made
• LLDPE typically has a narrow distribution of main chain
molecule lengths (LDPE and HDPE tend to be broader)

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 LLDPE - Molecular Diagram
• LLDPE consists of long linear molecules with short side
chain branches (SCB)
• SCB length is a function of comonomer type employed

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Polyethylene Comonomers -
Commonly Used
• Butene - A four carbon long molecule
Formula: C4H8
H2C=CH-CH2-CH3

• Hexene - A six carbon long molecule

Formula: C6H12
H2C=CH-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3

• Octene - An eight carbon long molecule

Formula: C8H16
H2C=CH-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Comonomer Type - Product Properties
• Short side chain branching type influences product toughness -
(Example: Butene, Hexene, Octene)
• Short side chains, like those made with butene comonomer are less
effective at disrupting chain folding
• Longer side chains, like those formed with hexene and octene are
longer and result in superior physical properties
• Z/N catalysts tend to have more difficulty than single-site catalysts in
placing comonomer on the longer chain (higher molecular weight)
portion of the polymer thus more comonomer ends up on the shorter
chains
• Comonomer addition levels are used to control resin density
- (Example: Increased comomomer content increases short chain branch content
and results in reduced resin density)

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Effect of Comonomer Type on
Physical Properties
Melt Index 1.0 1.0 1.0
Density 0.919 0.918 0.920
Comonomer Type butene hexene octene

Dart Impact (grams/mil) 100 200 335

Low Friction Puncture (J/mm) 34 50 56
Elmendorf Tear Strength MD (grams/mil 100 300 400
Elmendorf Tear Strength TD (grams/mil) 300 650 710
Tensile Strength MD (psi) 4800 5300 6800
Tensile Strength TD (psi) 3700 4500 6400

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Properties of LLDPE
Materials LLDPE Materials
Softness Softer relative to HDPE but not as soft and pliable as LDPE
Higher % crystallinity relative to LDPE-Barrier Properties dependant on
Permeability
part thickness and resin density to a large degree
Clarity not as good as for LDPE in most cases- LDPE can be blended to
Clarity
improve clarity
Stiff in shear during extrusion- Narrow molecular weight distribution,
Processing
processes at higher amps and head pressures relative to LDPE
Screw/Die designed for LLDPE required if extruding-Extruders, Screws,
Equipment Needs
Dies and Air Rings need to be designed for LLDPE
Much lower than LDPE due to NO long chain side branched molecules,
Melt Strength
only short chain branching generally
Can be blended into LDPE where desired- Eg: Can be blended into
Suitability as a Blend Resin
shrink film to modify shrinkage properties
Long linear molecules tend to orient highly in the machine direction-
Shrink Properties
shrinkage as a result is more imbalanced relative to LDPE
High physical properties possible depending on comonomer used,
catalyst used and molecular architecture- Very good elongational ability,
Strengths of LLDPE
can be drawn down thinner as a film than LDPE, higher strength than
LDPE permits downgaging
Prone to surface melt fracture in blown film and sheet extrusion-Process
Limitations of LLDPE
Conditions and Process aid additives are used to off-set this problem
© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation
 Catalyst Information
• Metal based catalysts facilitate the reactions required to
polymerize and convert Ethylene to PE
• Z/N catalyst is in common use today though modifications
and improvements have been made
• Next generation catalysts known as single-site catalysts and
Metallocene catalysts also exist and are used in the
production of mLLDPE, sLLDPE and HDPE

*Note: Metallocene catalysts fall into the single-site catalyst family

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Catalyst Influence on LLDPE Properties

• A conventional Z/N catalyst has a variety of active reaction

sites producing varied polymer molecules
• The result is a heterogeneous distribution of molecules having:
– broader distribution of molecular weight (molecular
lengths)
– varied comonomer incorporation levels across the
molecular weight distribution (MWD)

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Catalyst Influence on LLDPE Properties
• New advanced Z/N catalysts improve comonomer placement -
comonomer is more uniformly distributed, less bias for the
low molecular weight (MW) range
• Improved comonomer placement results in improved physical
properties
• MWD of LLDPE is often narrow to maximize finished
physical properties
• Narrowing the MWD can make the polymer challenging to
process (less shear thinning) therefore MWD is an important
consideration in resin design

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Properties for Products Manufactured
using Advanced Ziegler-Natta Catalyst
Dart Impact *

Hexene Gas Hexene Gas Octene Octene

Phase Z/N Phase Solution Z/N Solution
Advanced Z/N Advanced Z/N
*These are typical values – advances in technology have significant improvements to product properties.

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Properties for Products Manufactured
using Advanced Ziegler-Natta Catalyst
MD Elmendorf Tear Stength *

Hexene Gas Hexene Gas Octene Octene

Phase Z/N Phase Solution Z/N Solution
Advanced Z/N Advanced Z/N

*These are typical values – advances in technology have significant improvements to product properties.

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Properties for Products Manufactured
using Advanced Ziegler-Natta Catalyst
Melt Index 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.6
Density 0.918 0.920 0.916 0.916
Comonomer Type Hexene Octene Super hexene Octene
Process Gas Phase Solution Gas Phase Solution
Catalyst Type Z/N Z/N Advanced Z/N Advanced Z/N
Dart Impact (grams/mil) 200 335 500 620
Elmendorf Tear Strength MD (grams/mil) 300 400 400 450
Elmendorf Tear Strength TD (grams/mil) 650 710 600 750
Tensile Strength MD (psi) 5300 6800 6100 7400

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Single-Site Catalyst (SSC) Information

• Every catalyst reaction site is the same, thus the molecules

produced are more uniform
• Every polymer molecule contains the same amount of
comonomer (can result in improved properties)
• Reduction in low molecular weight polymer component
historically resulted in extrusion challenges largely addressed
now by resin design and extrusion equipment improvements
• Metallocene catalysts are a subset of the broader single-site
family
• Single-site catalyzed materials tend to have reduced low
molecular weight grease levels

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

Molecular Weight Distribution by GPC
Z/N versus SSC 1.6

SSC polymer MI=1.9 PD=2.3

1.4
Z/N polymer MI=5.0 PD=5.8

1.2

1
dW/dLog(mw).

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7
Log(mw)

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Physical and Optical Properties for
Materials Made Using Single-Site Catalyst
Supplier A Supplier A Supplier B Supplier C Z/N
Comonomer Type octene octene hexene hexene octene
Melt Index (grams/10 minutes) 0.97 0.94 1.14 1.08 0.95
Density 0.9171 0.9172 0.9168 0.9193 0.9203
Melt Flow Ratio (I21/I2) 22.3 27.5 16 16.2 27.2

Amps 34 32 39 36.5 31.1

Volts 156 144 142 137 143
Pressure (psi) 2925 2640 3070 3120 2810
Specific Power (lbs/hr./amp) 1.19 1.26 1.04 1.09 1.29
Dart Impact (grams) 990 1050 1200 920 180
Frictionless Puncture (J/mm) 118 93 114 91 45
Elmendorf Tear MD (grams) 255 265 190 235 430
Elmendorf Tear TD (grams) 325 370 330 320 730
Haze (%) 2 2 3 7 15
45 Gloss (%) 88 87 87 57 40
Hexane Extractables (%) 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 1.1
Seal Initiation Temperature (C) 103 103 99 103 111

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Resin Manufacturing Processes
• LLDPE Processes:
– Gas Phase
– Solvent Based / Solution
– Slurry Loop
• Most LLDPE is produced in single reactor systems, but
some processes used to manufacture LLDPE do use
multiple reactors

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Gas Phase
Process (Simplified)
• Feed gases such as Ethylene, Butene or Hexene, Hydrogen etc. are
introduced to the fluidized bed in the base of the gas phase reactor
• Catalyst is introduced to the reactor
• The exothermic heat of reaction is controlled by the fresh feed gas
circulation
• High Rx throughput rates and low conversion rates per pass are
typically achieved - feed gases recycle through the reactor entering at
the base and exiting at the top
• Granular PE product is produced in the reactor and intermittently
discharged out of the reactor into a purge bin, hydrocarbons are
removed, granular materials conveyed to pelletization followed by
pellet conveying to finishing area

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Example of Gas Phase
Process (Simplified)
Compressor Comonomer
Recovery Unit Flare

Reactor
Cooling Water
Exchanger

Catalyst
Preparation Product
Discharge
System

Ethylene
Dryer Product

Degassing Degassing
and Drying and Drying
Butene Railcar Hexene Railcar

Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Isopentane
Co-Catalyst

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Solution Polymerization
Process (Simplified)
• All aspects of reaction take place in solution
• All raw ingredients including, Ethylene feed, Hydrogen, etc. are
dissolved into a solvent resulting in a solution composed of the raw
ingredients required
• Catalyst is introduced to the reactor/s
• Solution is introduced into one or more stirred autoclave reactors -
temperature, residence time and mixing are controlled
• Polymer solution exits the reactor/s, solvent is flashed off in a
separator and returns to distillation
• Polymer passes through a low pressure separator into an extruder
• A devolatization extuder is used in some cases to remove residual
hydrocarbons while stripping vessels (post-extrusion) may also be
used in some processes to accomplish this task

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Low Pressure Solution Process
(Simplified)
Recycle Stream

Catalyst Catalyst
Ethylene

Hydrogen
5
Comonomer 1
2
Vapors
3
4
Pelletized
Product

1. Stirred Autoclave Reactors

2. Separator 4. Pelletizer
3. Separator 5. Compressor
© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation
 Slurry Process Description
(Simplified)
• Description is simplified but based on the Phillips Slurry loop
design that can produce LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE, mLLDPE
• The reactor is a circulation loop, water jacketed to remove heat
• A hydocarbon carrier circulates the reactive ingredients around the
loop reactor
• The reaction of Ethylene, Comonomer, Hydrogen, etc. results in
polymer particles forming, suspended on the carrier
• Polymer settles out and is removed from the reactor into a flash
vessel that separates granular polymer from residual hydrocarbon
• Polymer granules exit the flash vessel into a purge vessel where
hydrocarbons are removed
• Additives are incorporated, granular material is extruded and
pelletized
© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation
 Low Pressure Slurry Process
(Simplified)
Circulating
Pump
Operating Conditions
200 - 250 o F
500 - 600 psi
Ethylene
Hydrogen
Comonomer
LOOP
REACTOR Flash Tank

Catalyst
Vapors
DRYER

Granular
Polyethylene
RECYCLE STREAM

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 2002 APC-LLDPE Volume by End Use Process
(based on Amercian Plastics Council 2002 Data)

Sheet (greater than 12 mil)

Other Extruded Products 1%
3% Pipe and Conduit
1%
Injection Molding
7% Film (less than 12 mil)
65%

All Other Uses

23%

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 LLDPE by Market in N.A.
• 65% Film (12 mils or less)
• 7% Injection Molding
• The remainder is spread out over a variety of production
processes such as:
– Pipe and Conduit
– Sheeting
– Blow Molding
– Compounding

Source: APC Resin Statistics

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Typical Applications
• LLDPE
– Grocery sacks
– Garbage bags
– Stretch wrap film
– Agricultural film and tubing
– Milk pouches
– Wire and cable coatings
– Housewares
– Large outdoor toys
– Chemical storage tanks
– Landfill covers

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Future Development/Outlook
• The PE Industry is continuously improving product
performance by:
– New Catalyst developments
– New reactor configurations and manufacturing
process improvements
– Technology Licensing - existing technologies
licensed to operate on new technology platforms
=> could result in novel Polyethylene materials
– Polyethylene is evolving Stay Tuned!

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 References and Acknowledgements

• NOVA Chemicals Internal Literature

• Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
• American Plastics Council
• Chem Systems (2003)
• Commodity Thermoplastics (JP Arlie)
• Judy Webb-Barrett (NOVA Chemicals)
• Lan Nguyen (NOVA Chemicals)
• Chris Foy (NOVA Chemicals)

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation

 Questions?

© 2005 NOVA Chemicals Corporation