INTERNSHIP REPORT

ON

The Application marketing Mix in Plastic Sheets Manufacturing Industries

With special refers to

RISHABH INDUSTRIES, DURG

In Partial Fulfilment for the award of the Degree of Bachelors of Business
Administration

Submitted To

TEERTHANKER MAHAVEER INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND

TECHNOLOGY, (TMIMT)

SESSION: 2019 – 2022

TEERTHANKER MAHAVEER UNIVERSITY

MORADABAD, Utter Pradesh

Submitted By: Submitted To:

JAIN RAJAT SANJAY Ms. ANUPAMA VERMA

TMG1901101 Assistant professor
3’rd Year, 5th Semester TMIMT, TMU
 INDEX

S.No. Particulars Page No.

1. Student Declaration 3
2. Certificate 4
3. Acknowledgement 5
4. Executive Summary 6
5. Introduction of a Company 8
6. Introduction of a Departments 14
7. Intern Role 17
8. Observations 19
9. Key learning’s 30
10. Conclusion 34

2
 STUDENT DECLARATION

I, Jain Rajat Sanjay, hereby declare that the research work presented in this

project report entitled “A Comparative study of Management Training”for

the fulfilment of the award of BBA from TMIMT, Teerthanker Mahaveer

University; Moradabad is based on Summer Training. The Summer Training

embodies the result of original work and studies carried out by me and the

contents of the project do not form the basis for the award of any other degree

to me or to anybody else.

JAIN RAJAT SANJAY

TMG1901101

BBA

DEPT. OF MANAGEMENT

TMIMT

3
CERTIFICATE

4
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Presentation inspiration and motivation have always played a key role

in the success of any venture.
I express my sincere thanks to Dr. Vipin Jain, Director
(TMIMT). I pay my deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Manoj Agarwal,
HOD, TMIMT to encourage me to the highest peak and to provide me
the opportunity to prepare the project. I am immensely obliged to my
friends for their elevating, encouraging guidance and kind supervision
in the completion of my project.
I feel to acknowledge my indebtedness and deep sense of gratitude to
my guide Miss. ANUPAMA VERMA, Placement Cell Head whose
valuable guidance and kind supervision given to me throughout the
course which shaped the present work as its show.

Jain Rajat Sanjay

BBA 5th Sem
TMG1901101

5
Executive Summary

6
Plastic industry is making significant contribution to the economic
development and growth of various key sectors in the country such as:
Automotive, Construction, Electronics, Healthcare, Textiles, and FMCG
etc. Its demand has been growing rapidly at ~10% CAGR to reach 10
MnTPA by FY13. India is currently net importer of PolyEthylene (PE),
however with the commissioning of IOCL plant at Panipat, the imports are
expected to go down significantly. India observes significant regional
diversity in consumption of plastics with Western India accounting for
47%, Northern India for 23% and Southern India for 21%. Bulk of the
consumption in Northern India is from end use industries of Auto,
packaging (including bulk packaging), plasticulture applications, electronic
appliances etc. which are concentrated mostly in UP and Delhi- NCR
(>50%). However, plastic processing in other parts like Rajasthan, Punjab,
Haryana, Uttarakhand, J&K and Himachal Pradesh are expected to grow
based on increased availability of feedstock and higher focus on
manufacturing sectors. Northern India is said to have an inherent
disadvantage of being away from ports hence a difficult target for low-cost
supply of plastics through import. However, this same situation makes the
domestic plastic processing more competitive and provides significant
opportunity. Current low levels of per capita consumption (9.7 Kgs) along
with increased growth in end use industries could propel the growth of
plastics in North India further. Plastics application in agriculture can also
lead to huge monetary benefits as well as improve the overall productivity.
Besides Plasticulture can also be a good answer to the falling water table in
North India. Additionally, full potential of plastics in food processing is yet
to be tapped and that can help in meeting the food and nutrition security of
the nation.

Indian Plastic industry faces environmental myths and lacks in

technology. Going ahead recycling & reuse of plastics could be a foremost
step towards fostering innovation and sustainability. Also increased
awareness through help of industry groups and Government could help
address some of these challenges.

7
INTRODUCTION
OF A COMPANY

8
The plastic industry in India made a promising beginning in 1957 with the
production of polystyrene. Thereafter, significant progress has been made,
and the industry has grown and diversified rapidly. The industry spans the
country and hosts more than 2,000 exporters. It employs about 4 million
people and comprises more than 30,000 processing units, 85-90% of which
are small and medium-sized enterprises.

 India exported plastics raw material worth US$ 280.38 million in

March 2021, and the export during April 2020 to March 2021 was
US$ 3.29 billion.

 The total plastic and linoleum export during April 2020 to March
2021 was US$ 7.45 billion and for the month of March 2021, it was
US$ 719.15 million.

 In April 2021, export of plastic and linoleum stood at US$ 726.74

million.

 In FY20, plastic and linoleum export from India stood at US$ 7.55
billion.

 In FY21 export of plastic sheets, films, and plates stood at US$ 1.53
billion and packaging material was US$ 863.62 million.

 The Indian plastics industry produces and export a wide range of raw
materials, plastic-moulded extruded goods, polyester films, moulded/
soft luggage items, writing instruments, plastic woven sacks and bags,
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), leather cloth and sheeting, packaging,
consumer goods, sanitary fittings, electrical accessories, laboratory/
medical surgical ware, tarpaulins, laminates, fishnets, travel ware, and
others.

9
 The Indian plastics industry offer excellent potential in terms of
capacity, infrastructure, and skilled manpower. It is supported by
many polymer producers, plastic process machinery and mould
manufacturers in the country.

 Among the industry’s major strengths is the availability of raw

materials in the country. Thus, plastic processors do not have to
depend on import. These raw materials, including polypropylene,
high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and PVC, are
manufactured domestically.

10
 ABOUT THE COMPANY

Established in the year 2017, RISHABH INDUSTRYis one of the well-

known companies involved in the manufacturing, supplying and trading of
a high-quality range of Polypropylene strapping band for Fully Automatic
as well as Semi-Automatic strapping machines. Growing preference for
blue or mixed-colouredPlastic Sheets by users from diverse domains is a
major trend witnessed in the plastic tarpaulin market. Furthermore, the
demand for Plastic Sheetsis majorly augmented during the rainy season.
This increase in demand can be mainly attributed to the waterproof nature
of the product, which ensures the protection of equipment, machinery, and
crops.

A Plastic Sheetsis a sheet of strong, flexible, waterproof or water-resistant

material, such as polyethylene, canvas, or polyester coated with urethane.
Plastic Sheetsis a polyethylene film available in a variety of textures and
colors. In the report, the Plastic Sheetsmarket is segmented on the basis of
product type, material type, product weight, end use, and region.
Based on product type, the Plastic Sheetsmarket has been categorized
into insulated tarps, holding tarps and truck tarps, UV-protected tarps,
sports tarps, and mesh tarps. Holding tarps and truck tarps are primarily
employed in residential and transportation applications and in construction
projects to cover bridges, buildings, and water towers.

On the basis of material type, the Plastic Sheetsmarket has been

classified into high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
polyamide, and canvas. Some of the key advantages of using HDPE are
better product protection against dust and moisture and the material’s
versatility to be used as a defensive covering in the infrastructure,
agriculture,

11
 and automotive industries and as a floor spread, primarily in
residential and commercial applications.
Our manufacturing team accurately design and produce products in
compliance with international quality norms by utilizing high grade inputs
and updated technology. Apart from this, we have segregated our
organization into a number of departments for a better, efficient and smooth
functioning of the company. Our managers keep in tab the working of each
and every department to maintain the quality and on time delivery of our
offered products. In addition to this, our team consists of highly
experienced and dexterous professionals, who are well versed with the
knowledge of this domain.

Established under the guardianship of Mr. Sanjay Jain (Director), we

have carved a niche for ourselves in this industry. It is only because of his
sincere efforts and active participation in the functioning of the firm that we
have gained a huge clientele across the country.

OUR VISION

To establish Rishabh Overseas as an industry leader and a pioneer through

innovative products, high standards of quality and technological excellence,
strong customer focus and a global distribution network, empowered
employees, a commitment to the environment, and the maintenance of the
highest standards of ethics.

12
OUR MISSION

 To Engage Profitably

By providing the highest value to our customers through personal

engagement and innovation.
 To Engage Responsibly

By attaining the highest levels of efficiency, honesty and integrity in our

daily functioning.

 To Engage Effectively

By consistent reflection and improvements in manufacturing and service.

13
 INTRODUCTION
OF DEPARTMENTS

14
In the above pre-production and production departments are listed. To
run the factory smoothly, with production departments, one needs to
set up some auxiliary departments. Some of the supporting
departments of a garment manufacturing setup are as followings.

 Electronic Data Processing (EDP)

 Accounting Department
 Human Resource and Administration
 Shipping and documentation

Departments if a garment factory those are no directly involved in

garment production but support garment production team to perform
their work smoothly. Necessary supporting departments are
Accounting, EDP, Shipping and documentation, Human resource and
Administration.

1. Electronic Data Processing (EDP):

Garment factories use many electronics items such as computers,
printer, Barcode systems etc. Computers are used for daily activities
like mailing, making reports and accounting software, EPRs etc. An
EDP department is necessary for troubleshooting of the computers and
software.

The major activities of this department are

 Purchasing electronic items

 Breakdown maintenance of computers and other hardware

15
  Supporting internet and mailing activities
 Protecting the company’s server from outside bugs and
viruses
 Database maintenance
 Report generating

2. Accounts department activities:

 Accounting department prepare payroll for employees, give payments
to workers and write checks for staffs. They manage accounts of the
company.
 Maintain records of supplier payment and follow up with buyers for
pending payment. This department is involved in all kind payment
and cash management.


3. Human Resource and Administration:

 This department is concern about the social issue of the employee.
They look after recruiting and employee welfare.
 This department maintains employee attendance and absent records.
 Handle labour issues
 Factory compliance and social compliance
 New employee orientation

4. Shipping and documentation:

Shipping and documentation department prepare shipment related
documents. They communicate with buyers for shipment dispatch and
send the shipment to buyers.

16
INTERN
ROLE

17
 WHAT I WORKED

Iwork as MANAGEMENT INTERN where I worked in various

departments of the organizations, ranging from HR to Sales and
Accounts. Main role as an intern was to monitor the progress of the
organization under the guidance of Senior Manager.
Oversee the advising and application process for the above
locations. Develop and implement strategies that create consistency
and standardization among all CIS abroad internship programs. Work
on the development of new programs in new and current locations.
Update Standard Operating Procedure documents. Suggest new
programs and participate in pricing strategy discussions.

Stayabreast of internship competitors and market trends.

Suggest new programs and participate in pricing strategy discussions.
Ensure the way we are marketing, recruiting, and admitting students is
a smooth process with a high level of customer service.

18
OBSERVATION

19
 what is marketing mix?

Marketing mix usually refers to the set of 4Ps viz. Product, price,
Promotion, Place. But theoretically, the marketing mix is a much broader
term. Often the three additional Ps- process, people, physical evidence is
also added and called 7 Ps of Marketing. The role of the marketing mix is
to synthesize the visible and invisible qualities of a product with the
aspirations of the targeted clients. The marketing mix for a manufactured
product will be different from that of a product as a service.

What Is Polythene Sheeting?

Polythene sheeting is nothing other than a plastic film made from

petroleum, the composition of which makes it incredibly versatile and
almost completely waterproof. Sold in rolls, this useful tool can be
transparent or opaque and can help you complete a large range of tasks
without much effort.
Not only will you be able to cover surfaces in order to protect them,
but depending on the additives it might contain, its functionality can vary –
from being fire retardant to UV inhibiting or anti-static. Therefore, you can
use it outdoors or indoors for a large number of applications.

20
 What Is Polythene Sheeting Used For?

Depending on its size, thickness and grade, polythene sheeting can help you
complete a large number of tasks – if you get creative and think efficiently.

1. For shelters or protection

In cases in which you desire to build an outdoor shelter or protect some of
your goods lying outside in harsh weather conditions, polythene sheeting
will come in handy. It is strong and will surely hold up the wind, so it is a
very reliable tool.

2. For closing off rooms while redecorating

Closing a room where work is in progress will prove to be a great decision.
Not only will it keep children away and not allow any visitors to witness
the disaster happening out there, but it will also keep dust away.

3. For recreational purposes

Not only is this material handy, but it also allows all your family to have
fun in your own garden. You can use long rolls of polythene sheets to
create an ice rink or a slide that everybody will enjoy.

4. For greenhouse roofing

One of the best-known uses of polythene sheeting is for sure related to
greenhouses. This tool can have the power to insulate the house from heat
and cold while adding strength. It is probably one of the best ways to make
sure your greenhouse is productive and protected.

21
5. For aquaponics
Adjacent to greenhouses, these systems that refer to cultivating plants in
water can be easily made with the help of polythene sheeting. When used
wisely, it can be incredibly efficient. Not only will it help your plants grow,
but it’s also a great choice if you want to protect the environment.

INTRO
Agricultural mulch films and package films scattered in fields or in soil
were observed by optical microscopy after staining with lactophenol cotton
blue as well as by SEM and FT-IR microscopy. The part of these samples
which was concealed in soil was whitened in appearance. We observed a
lot of small holes passing through the film. The microscope FT-IR analysis
showed C C double bonds (1640cm−1) around the surface of the whitened
part. Significant levels of hydroperoxide and hydroxide absorption bands
were also observed. Optical microscope observations of films stained with
lactophenol cotton blue revealed that the bioactivity of the film surface was
especially high in the vicinity of small holes. Several colonies of microbes
were observed by optical microscope with cotton blue staining as well as by
SEM. We concluded that the biodegradation of thin LDPE film in soil was
unexpectedly fast because of the synergistic action of oxidative and/or
photo-oxidative degradation on biological activity, which is probably due to
the increasing hydrophilicity of the film surface.

Phase compatibility of nylon 66 in mixtures with polyethylene of

various compositions and concentrations was investigated. Optical
microscopy and thermal analysis verified incompatibility, predicted by
theory, in concentrations as low as 1 wt.% polyethylene, regardless of type
and molecular weight (melt index). Although incompatible, mixtures in this
range are of importance in various industrial applications where, typically,
the polyethylene component serves as carrier for pigments and additives.

22
 Plastic Tarpaulin Market Dynamics

Drivers
The waterproofing ability of plastic tarpaulin sheets is a major factor
driving the market growth. Tarps are widely used to cover or waterproof
large containers and wood piles. They are also used for collecting
rainwater, winterizing windows and doors, and closing off sections in
hospitals or rooms. Furthermore, growth in end-use industries, such as
agriculture, construction, and automotive, is boosting the plastic tarpaulin
market growth.

Restraints
Limited strength of tarps and their susceptibility to damage in case of
penetration may result in the formation of holes in these tarps. This may
further lead to their reduced efficacy and allow seepage at seams and
in/around improperly attached grommets. These factors, thus, limit the
product application and negatively affect the growth of the plastic tarpaulin
market.

Opportunities
Increasing application of tarps in logistics and marketing (billboard
advertisements) is likely to offer growth opportunities to the players
operating in the market. Furthermore, industrial growth in APAC countries
is resulting in new areas of product application across several verticals.
These factors, thus, are likely to boost the plastic tarpaulin market growth
in the near future.

23
 Plastic Tarpaulin Market Competitive
Landscape
Some of the major players operating in the global plastic tarpaulin
market are Heytex Bramsche GmbH, Sattler AG, Gia Loi JSC, KSA
Polymer, Lamifabs & Papers Pvt. Ltd., VIETNAM HOA HA CO. LTD.,
Fulin Plastic Industry Co. Ltd., MahaShakti Polycoat, JK Plastopack Pvt.
Ltd., I & M Tarpaulins Ltd., Tarpaulins Direct (UK) Limited, Cunningham
Covers, K-TARP VINA Co. Ltd., Zhejiang MSD New Material Co. Ltd.,
and A & B Canvas Australia.

The study provides the historical as well the forecast market size data
for various countries, including the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, the
U.K., Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and South
Africa.

Polyethylene Production Process

1. Development of polyethylene preparation

methods
In 1933, the British domestic chemical industry found that ethylene could
be polymerized under high-pressure to produce PE. This method was
industrialized in 1939, commonly known as high-pressure preparation. In
1953, Federal Republic of Germany K. Ziegler found that TiCl4-Al
(C2H5)3 could be used as a catalyst and hence ethylene could be
polymerized at lower pressure. This method was industrialized by the
Federal Republic of Germany Hurst company in 1955 and referred to as
low-pressure PE. In the early 1950s, Philip Petroleum found the use
of chromium oxide-silica gel as a catalyst, ethylene in the pressure could

24
be polymerized to produce HDPE, and in 1957 it achieved industrialization.
In 1960, Canada DuPont began to manufacture LDPE with ethylene and α-
olefin solution. In 1977, the United States Carbide Corporation and Dow
Chemical Company had made low-pressure method of LDPE, known as
linear LDPE, which was referred to as the United States Carbide’s gas
phase method. LLDPE and branched LDPE have similar performance. The
combination with low energy consumption in the production gave rise to
the rapid development of PE and it became one of the most compelling
new synthetic resin. The core technology of low-pressure is the
catalyst. Germany Ziegler invented TiCl4-Al (C2H5)3 system as the
first generation of polyolefin catalyst. The catalytic efficiency was low,
about a few grams per gram of PE. 1963 Belgium Solvay company
pioneered the magnesium compound as the carrier of the second
generation of catalyst. The catalytic efficiency increased to hundreds of
thousands grams per gram PE. The catalyst residue could also be eliminated
using the second-generation catalyst. Later on, a gas-phase efficient catalyst
was developed. In 1975, an Italian company developed granulated PE and
directly produced spherical polyethylene catalyst, known as the third-
generation catalyst which was another milestone for HDPE production.

2. Production methods

25
It could be divided into low-, medium- and high-pressure methods. High-
pressure method is used to produce LDPE. This method was developed
early and its usage accounted for ~2/3 of the total output of PE.
However, with the production technology and catalyst development, its
growth rate was greatly lagging behind the low-pressure method, which
included the slurry-, solution-, gas-phase and improved LDPE methods.
The slurry method was divided into a stirred tank slurry process and a
loop reactor slurry method, and was mainly for the production of
HDPE. The solution- and gas-phase methods could not only produce
HDPE, but also add comonomer. The production of LDPE is also known as
linear LDPE. In recent years, a variety of low-pressure processes developed
rapidly. The current process of producing LDPE is mainly by autoclave and
high-pressure tube method. Organic peroxide is used as initiator and free
radical polymer. The LDPE process is the modified version of LDPE
equipment production. The pressure will be reduced with the use of Ziegler
catalyst production of linear PE. Most of the current LLDPE is produced by
gas phase and solution processes, while HDPE is mostly by the slurry
method. Traditionally, slurry processes have been used to produce HDPE,
but in recent years the application loop reactor in producing LLDPE is also
evident.

 High-pressure method

26
High-pressure method uses oxygen or peroxide as the initiator to
polymerize ethylene. The ethylene is fed into the reactor by secondary
pressure and is polymerized into PE at a pressure of 100 to 300 MPa and at
a temperature of 200 to 300 °C under the action of an initiator. The reaction
is separated by pressure and the unreacted ethylene is recovered and
recycled. PE in the addition of plastic additives creates granulation after
extrusion. The polymerization reactor consists of a tubular reactor (pipe
length up to 2000 m) and a kettle reactor. Tube method has a one-way
conversion rate of 20-34%, single-line annual production capacity of
100 kt. Kettle process flow of one-way conversion has a rate of 20-25%
while single-line annual production capacity is 180 kt.

 Low-pressure method

27
Polymerization by the low-pressure method, liquid phase method (also
divided into slurry and solution method) and gas phase requires a
pressure of below 2 MPa. General steps are the preparation of the
catalyst, ethylene polymerization, polymer separation and granulation.
China is mainly using Ziegler catalyst slurry method. The most important
gas phase bypasses the need for solvent recovery and polymer drying
processes, saving 15% of the investment and 10% of the operating cost.
Compared with the traditional high-pressure method, the investment is only
30% and the operating costs is only 1/6. Thus it has been a rapid
development. However further improvement should be made for quality
and variety in the gas phase. Conditions and Process Description: Ethylene
has a purity of 99% or more and is polymerized in the presence of catalyst
titanium tetrachloride and monochloride diethylaluminum in gasoline at
a pressure of 0.1-0.5 MPa and a temperature of 65-75 ℃ to obtain a
slurry of HDPE. The first step is the destruction of residual catalyst by
alcoholysis, then proceeds with neutralization, washing, and the recovery
of gasoline and unpolymerized ethylene. The next step is drying to
obtain granulation product. Features: corrosion resistance, electrical
insulation (especially high-frequency insulation), can be chlorinated.
Specific gravity: 0.94-0.96 g/cm³; Shrinkage: 1.5-3.6%; Molding
temperature: 140-220 °C. PE produced by the Slurry method is insoluble in
solvents. Slurry polymerization conditions are mild and easy to operate.
The alkyl aluminum is commonly used as activator and hydrogen as a
molecular weight regulator for the use of kettle reactor. The polymerizer
is passed through a flash kettle, a gas-liquid separator to a dry and
granulate the powder. The production process also includes solvent
recovery, solvent refining and other steps. Using a different polymerizer in
series or in parallel is also available. The polymerization consists of two
types. First is the mixing tank reactor in which you can obtain
products of different molecular weight. The second is the slurry method
with a ring reactor. The former contains two or more reactors, in series or in
parallel. In the slurry process, monomer, comonomer and hydrogen
are dissolved in the diluent. The reaction temperature and pressure are

28
both low. Since the polymer does not dissolve in the diluents, it cannot
produce low-density products but only HDPE.

 Medium-pressure method

The medium-pressure process uses a chromium catalyst supported on

silica gel to polymerize ethylene under medium-pressure in a loop reactor
to produce HDPE. The Dutch DsM stamicarbo craft Dow Process and
DuPont process in Canada are relatively important. The first two
pressures are lower while the latter is higher. It is also known as
medium-pressure solution method. The current solution method is at the
medium-pressure, in which the solution process, the monomer and the
resulting polymer are soluble in the solvent so the higher the
temperature required, the higher pressure. When the polymer molecular
weight is high, the solution viscosity, stirring difficulties and
production capacity is limited. Subsequently, the production of high
molecular weight products becomes more difficult due to the reaction
pressure, temperature and polymerization rate. Ethylene stays for a short
time in the reactor, usually for a few minutes. Switching grade

29
transition time is short and transition material is less. For instance,
Canada DuPont pressure solution method stays for Zmin, can be switched
between 3 to 4 grades in 24 hours. When the new grade is put into
the material, the granulation lasts only 20 min. The resin produced by
the solution method is of good quality, the molecular weight
distribution can be very narrow and the melt index can be high. Solution
method uses evaporation of solvent recovery method of polymer as energy
consumption so that the solvent recovery process is more complex.

3. Production process
Presently, there are many companies specializing in PE technology in the
world: 7 enterprises LDPE technology, 10 with LLDPE and full density
technology, and 12 with HDPE technology. From the technical
development point of view, high-pressure production of LDPE resin
production technology is the most mature. Kettle and tube process
technology is also mature and currently coexists. Foreign companies
generally use low temperature and high activity catalyst-initiated
polymerization system which can reduce the reaction temperature and
pressure. High-pressure production of LDPE will be large-scale and tube-
oriented direction. Low-pressure production of HDPE and LLDPE use
mainly titanium and network catalyst. Europe and Japan use mainly
titanium catalyst whereas United States uses network catalyst. Catalyst
technology: catalyst is a key part of PE technology. In 1991, metallocene
catalyst achieved industrialization in the United States which leads to
development of PE production technology. At present, the world’s main
applications of PE production technology shared 11 species, and China has
8 of them: (1) High-pressure tube and kettle reaction process (2) Mitsui
chemical low-pressure silt method CX process (3) BP gas phase Innovene
production process (4) Chevron - Phillips company double loop reactor
LPE process (5) Nordic Chemical North Star (Bastar) Shuangfeng process
(6) Low-pressure gas phase Unipol process (7) Basel Polyolefin Company
Hostalen Crafts (8) Sclartech solution production process.

30
 Structure of polyethylene

Polyethylene (PE) is a type of plastic. The plastic bags that we get from the
supermarket are made of it. Although PE has the simplest structure of the
polymer, it is still the most widely used polymer material. PE is synthesized
by polymerization of ethylene (CH2 = CH2). [2] The performance of PE
depends on its polymerization. Ziegler-Natta polymerization was carried
out under medium-pressure (15-30atm), organic compound catalytic
conditions for high (HDPE). these conditions, the polymerized PE
molecules were linear and the molecular chain was very long with a
molecular weight up to several hundred thousand. If produced under high-
pressure (100-300 MPa), high temperature (190-210 ℃) and in peroxide
catalytic conditions free radical polymerization, the end product would
be low-density polyethylene (LDPE) which was a branched structure.

31
Key Learning's

32
Choosing the right plastic sheet for your application can be confusing,
particularly if you are new to the industry. In our blog post, “When it
Comes to Material Selection, Not All Plastics are Created Equal,” we gave
a quick overview of the polymers that Impact extrudes, touching on their
general characteristics and typical uses.

In this next blog post, we narrow our focus to discuss one of the materials
we extrude in greater detail – Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE is
a very versatile plastic and is often used in flexible film and bag
applications, but it can also be used to make bottles, food storage containers
and rigid trays. Below are 5 important characteristics of LDPE plastic:

1. LDPE has a lower density than other grades of PE:

Low Density Polyethylene is exactly what it sounds like – it is a grade of

polyethylene that carries with it a lower density than it’s counterpart, High
Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

PE is created from the polymerization of ethylene which produces very

long, straight chains of hydrocarbon monomers. Through adjustments to the
polymerization process, these chains can be made to branch, and the degree
of branching determines the grade of PE that is produced. With LDPE,
there is there is a high degree of branching, which means that the polymer
has a less compact molecular structure leading to a lower density and
greater flexibility.

2. LDPE is a semi-crystalline polymer:

An important distinction between different thermoplastic polymers is

amorphous vs. semi-crystalline. LDPE is a semi-crystalline polymer which
means that regions of the material exhibit organized and tightly packed
molecular chains. The areas of crystallinity are called spherulites and can
vary in shape and size with amorphous areas existing between the

33
crystalline areas. The degree of crystallinity affects many characteristics of
the polymer. Because of the highly branched structure of LDPE, this
polymer has low crystalline and high amorphous regions. These
characteristics result in a lower density and a softer and more flexible
product in comparison to HDPE. To offer a basis for comparison, LDPE
has a density range of around 0.91-0.94g/cm3 vs. HDPE, which has a
density range of 0.95-0.97 g/cm3.

3. LDPE is soft and flexible:

As noted above, the increased branching characteristic of LDPE results in a

softer and more flexible material in comparison to HDPE. This increased
branching leads to irregularly packed molecules and weaker intermolecular
bonds, resulting in a lower tensile strength. While LDPE has a lower tensile
strength, it has greater ductility, which refers to a solid material’s ability to
deform under tensile strength. This means that LDPE can be stretched
without breaking. For this reason, LDPE is widely used in products such as
plastic bags and films. In addition, the soft and flexible nature of this
material also results in a high impact strength.

4. LDPE is versatile:

Similarly to HDPE, LDPE is one of the most versatile plastics and has may
different uses spanning across various industries – from industrial, to food,
to consumer goods. Due to the high ductility of this material, a common
application for LDPE is plastic bags. This material has also found a home
in food packaging and is often used as a film for baked goods, meat and
frozen foods, as well as for liquid packaging such as milk cartons and bag-
in-box applications. Impact Plastics customers are currently using LDPE
sheet for applications in the medical industry.

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 5. LDPE is recyclable:

impact_plastics_LDPE_RIC.pngLDPE is an easily recyclable material and

is collected by many recycling programs across the United States. For
recycling purposes, this material is identified by the resin ID code '4'.
However, the different forms of LDPE packaging (i.e. film and bag vs.
rigid), require different recycling channels. Rigid LDPE products such as
bottles, containers, caps and lids are typically accepted through your
traditional curbside recycling program. Flexible LDPE products, however,
can be dropped off at participating retail stores in your area. Plastic Film
Recycling, an organization supported by the Flexible Film Recycling Group
of the American Chemistry Council, has put together a handy tool that
allows you to locate local drop-off centers where you can recycle your
clean and dry flexible LDPE products. Acceptable flexible LDPE materials
include retail bags, zip-top food storage bags, plastic overwrap, and even
plastic cereal box liners.

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Conclusions

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The common belief that paper is more environmentally friendly than plastic
is false. Plastic comes with far more advantages for both consumers and
manufacturers and is overall better for the environment than paper. Plastic
creates less waste, it can be reused and it’s better for the planet.

Where we need to concentrate is on proper recycling facilities and

educating both business and the public as to how to properly dispose of
polythene and plastic as well as putting pressure on Councils and
Governments to ensure local facilities exist to recycle and reuse these
materials.

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