Empirical models for end-use properties prediction of LDPE: application in the flexible plastic packaging industry

Abstract

The objective of this work is to develop empirical models to predict end use properties of low density polyethylene (LDPE) resins as functions of two intrinsic properties easily measured in the polymers industry. The most important properties for application in the flexible plastic packaging industry were evaluated experimentally for seven commercial polymer grades. Statistical correlation analysis was performed for all variables and used as the basis for proper choice of inputs to each model output. Intrinsic properties selected for resin characterization are fluidity index (FI), which is essentially an indirect measurement of viscosity and weight average molecular weight (MW), and density. In general, models developed are able to reproduce and predict experimental data within experimental accuracy and show that a significant number of end use properties improve as the MW and density increase. Optical properties are mainly determined by the polymer morphology.