Thermoplastic polymer composition and method for making articles and films from the same

A method for producing an injection molded article, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising (i) a polyethylene polymer composition having a Melt Relaxation Product of 50,000 or less;
• and (ii) calcium bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate;
• (b) heating the thermoplastic polymer composition to a temperature sufficient to melt the thermoplastic polymer composition so that it may be injected into a mold, the mold having a mold cavity defining the dimensions of an article;
• (c) injecting the molten thermoplastic polymer composition into the mold cavity;
• (d) allowing the molten thermoplastic polymer composition in the mold cavity to cool and solidify thereby forming an injection molded article;
• and
• (e) opening the mold and ejecting the article from the mold cavity.

A method for producing a film, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising (i) a polyethylene polymer composition having a Melt Relaxation Produce of 50,000 or less;
• and (ii) calcium bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate;
• (b) heating the thermoplastic polymer composition to a temperature sufficient to melt the thermoplastic polymer composition so that it may be extruded through a die;
• (c) extruding the molten thermoplastic polymer composition through a die having a slot-shaped die orifice to form a film exiting the die orifice;
• (d) passing the film exiting the die orifice over a cooled surface to solidify the thermoplastic polymer composition;
• and
• (e) collecting the film.