Ionomer

Ionomers are copolymers of ethylene and methacrylic acid (MAA), or acrylic acid (AA), where the acid groups are partially neutralized with a metal salt, most commonly zinc or sodium. The acid-metal linkages act like crosslinks, imparting outstanding solid state properties, but because the crosslinks are thermally reversable, it allows the polymer to be melt processed. Key properties of ionomers are their outstanding impact and scratch resistance, chemical resistance, melt strength, and low temperature sealability. Ionomers are very commonly used in packaging applications as a heat seal layer. They are also used in golf ball skins, bowling pin coatings, decking and flooring, shock tubes, polymer modification, and cosmetic packaging.