It is very clear, from the experience of a wide range of processors and general comments in the trade press, that there are still problems in processing metallocene polyolefins. Therefore, it was an opportune time for a conference focused specifically on this topic.

The initial market development of metallocene polyolefins focused very much on low density plastomeric and elastomeric polyethylenes but has now broadened to cover the complete density range of polyethylene and also polypropylene. Papers covering aspects of processing across the whole range of materials were presented making it an exciting and well-focused conference for all processor companies as well as raw material and machine suppliers.

List of Papers

A review of processing problems with current metallocene polyolefins
Ayaz Siddiqui, Institute of Materials, UK

Fluoroelastomers as processing aids for low density metallocene resins
Xavier Fanichet, DuPont Dow Elastomers SA, Switzerland

Characterisation of processing parameters for metallocene polyolefins using static and dynamic light scattering technology
John Helfridge and Trevor Harvard, Precision Detectors Inc., USA

Use of plastomers to improve the processing of EPR
Jim Lockwood, Dex-Plastomers VOF, The Netherlands

Advancements in processability with Dow metallocene polyolefins
Thomas Allgeuer, Dow Europe SA, Switzerland

Metallocene PEs that process as conventional materials
David Varrall, Exxon Chemicals Europe Inc., Belgium

Easy processing metallocene MDPE combining stiffness, impact and optics
John Gielens and Marc Tavernier, Fina Research, Belgium

Benefits to be realised through process optimisation of new generation roto-moulding polyethylene compounds
John Webster, Borealis AS, Denmark

Review of changes in machine parameters for improved processing of metallocene polyolefins
Jan Brends, IAL Consultants, UK

Film extrusion of metallocene LLDPE
Hirinder Timber, Macro Engineering and Technology Inc., Canada

Extrusion and the new PE resins, a marriage for the next millennium
Kevin Williams, Battenfeld Gloucester Europe Limited, UK

Improvements in extrusion parameters for film grade metallocene polyethylene
Hans Wilm, Macchi srl., Italy

Marketing and technological issues involved in recycling metallocene polyolefins
Pierre Picot, ISAS France

Sclairtech a new approach to easy processing single site resins
Daryl Harrison, Nova Chemicals Limited, Canada

Improved processing of syndiotactic polypropylene
Axel Demain, Fina Research SA, Belgium