Basell: New Catalysts make it in the film world
Basell has introduced a new Ziegler-Natta catalyst family based on ethyl-benzoate as internal donor that improves polymer morphology and bulk density. The proprietary ethyl-benzoate catalysts are designed specifically for gas phase polypropylene processes and are also suitable for liquid phase polymerisation.
‘By using ethyl-benzoate as internal donor, we have developed this catalyst on an advanced magnesium chloride support and this translates into better plant operability and higher throughput,’ said Werner Breuers, president of Basell’s Technology Business.’
‘The new catalysts produce resins with a broader molecular weight distribution compared to phthalate systems,’ added Michael Mulrooney, senior vice president, marketing and new ventures. ‘This makes them highly versatile and well suited for a variety of applications, especially film.’
‘With the addition of the new ethyl-benzoate catalyst, Basell now has the capability to meet 100% of every PP producer’s product requirements,’ said Mulrooney. ‘We have drop-in replacements for most existing systems, as well as more advanced catalysts for upgrading plants and expanding product capability.’