Dual component LLDPE copolymers with improved impact and tear resistance, and methods of their preparation

An ethylene polymer composition comprising:

• (i) a homogeneously-branched first ethylene polymer component having a first component density in a range from about 0.905 to about 0.918 g/cm3;
• and
• (ii) a homogeneously-branched second ethylene polymer component having a second component density in a range from about 0.935 to about 0.972 g/cm3 and a second component melt index in a range from about 0.5 to about 40 g/10 min;
• wherein the amount of the second ethylene polymer component is in a range from about 15 to about 35 wt. %, based on the total weight of the first ethylene polymer component and the second ethylene polymer component;
• and
• wherein the composition is characterized by:
• a density in a range from about 0.912 to about 0.925 g/cm3;
• a ratio of Mw/Mn in a range from about 2 to about 5;
• a melt index in a range from about 0.3 to about 2 g/10 min;
• a CY-a parameter in a range from about 0.35 to about 0.7;
• and
• an ATREF curve containing at least two peaks, with a first peak at a temperature in a range from about 60 to about 72° C., and a second peak at a temperature in a range from about 92 to about 104° C.