The Versatility of Engage~(~R) Polyolefin Elastomer as an Impact Modifier for Polymer Alloys

摘要

Engage~(~R) polyolefin elastomers, a product of DuPont Dow Elastomers, are high performance ethylene octene copolymers made via metallocene catalysis. Today they are positioned as one of the leading impact modifiers for polyolefins. In this paper the reasons for growth of Engage~(~R) are examined along with future product extensions that are planned by taking advantage of new process capabilities arising from a new production facility. These capabilities include use of butene as a comonomer and production of copolymers with broader molecular weight distributions for improved processing or with higher molecular weight for improved physical properties. This study examines the use of Engage~(~R) and developmental ethylene-butene copolymers as impact modifiers for polyproplyene (PP) and polyesters (PBT). The use of compatibilizers or grafted polymers to make polymer alloys based on Engage~(~R) will be described.