HAT IS POLYOLEFIN?

Polyolefin is a class of synthetic polymers created by the polymerization of olefins. What are olefins? Olefins are unsaturated hydrocarbons (monomers) whose molecules contain a double bond between two carbon atoms. All polyolefins start out as simple olefins which are often referred to as alkenes. Different molecules then attach in chains, leading to an array of materials with desired properties, such as density, stiffness, strength and opacity that can be altered by manipulating the catalyst and other variables.

Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are the two most common types of polyolefins. Both polymers are highly versatile, durable and recyclable. Polypropylene is generally more rigid and has a higher melting point than polyethylene. Polyethylene is among the most widely used plastics in the world, created through the polymerization of ethylene as the olefin. Polyolefin also comes in various densities based on the branching and structure of molecular chains, each also giving unique differences in physical properties. The most common are high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

The production of polyolefin fibers from chain-growth polymerization serves many global end-use industries, including textile, automotive, packaging, building and construction.

As custom compounders, Americhem offers an extensive range of innovative materials, including high-performance polyolefin products, to meet the most demanding applications. Our vast access to high-grade raw materials combined with our 40-year history of technical engineering expertise and advanced testing capabilities allow us to produce tailored polyolefin solutions that set the standard for quality, consistency and cost-efficiency.

Whether you’re looking to produce stain-resistant polyolefin fabric, chemically inert polyolefin plastic packaging or automotive interior parts made from thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), Americhem’s customer-focused approach means we can handle any compounding project, regardless of the scope or volume. We have a proven record of helping our clients achieve success across diverse markets, and we specialize in creating polyolefin compounds that require an exact color match.