February 15, 2025 – In the realm of chemical materials, polyolefin elastomers (POE) have gradually emerged as a focal point of industry attention, thanks to their unique properties and wide range of applications. POE, a high-performance polyolefin, is synthesized through the polymerization of ethylene or propylene as the primary units, with the incorporation of α-olefins such as 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene as comonomers, facilitated by metallocene catalysts.
The structure of POE is distinct, comprising crystalline regions formed by carbon-carbon backbones and amorphous zones. The crystalline regions act as physical cross-links, while the introduction of α-olefins weakens these regions, giving rise to amorphous areas with rubber-like elasticity. This unique structure endows POE with exceptional attributes, including high elasticity, strength, and elongation. Furthermore, the narrow molecular weight distribution achieved through metallocene catalysis ensures processing stability and reduces moisture permeability. Additionally, POE’s saturated molecular bonds and fewer tertiary carbon atoms contribute to its outstanding resistance to thermal aging and UV exposure, combining plasticity with elasticity, making it highly suitable for applications in the field of thermoplastic elastomers.
According to industry insights from AsiaMB, POE is also known by a less common name: linear ultra-low-density polyethylene (ULDPE). This moniker stems from the early days when POE, with a density below 0.890 g/cm3, exhibited elastomeric properties. In contrast, conventional linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) has a density ranging from 0.890 to 0.915 g/cm3.