Olefinbased

Olefinbased (often written olefin-based) refers to materials and compounds derived primarily from olefins, the hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon–carbon double bond (alkenes). The term covers polymers and low-molecular-weight products produced by addition polymerization and related processes from olefin monomers such as ethylene, propylene, butenes, and higher olefins. Olefinbased materials are ubiquitous in modern plastics and elastomers, with properties largely governed by the identity of the olefin and the polymer architecture.

Common olefinbased polymers include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), including their copolymers such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and isotactic PP. Other olefin-based materials arise from polymerizing higher alpha-olefins or mixtures, yielding polyolefin elastomers (like ethylene-propylene rubber), polyalpha-olefins, and specialty polymers made with advanced catalysts such as metallocenes or Ziegler–Natta systems.

Production of olefinbased polymers typically involves addition polymerization of olefin monomers using catalysts that control tacticity, comonomer incorporation, and branching. These materials are generally characterized by chemical resistance, moisture resistance, good toughness, and a favorable weight-to-strength ratio. Processing methods include extrusion, molding, film casting, and in some cases extrusion-blown or cast films for packaging.

Environmental and sustainability considerations center on end-of-life handling, recycling, and the use of feedstocks. Polyolefins are among the most recycled plastics, yet contamination and additives complicate recovery. Research areas include chemical recycling, mechanical recycling optimization, and the development of bio-based olefins and renewables to reduce fossil-fuel inputs.