Abstract: This invention is directed to an ethylene polymer blend comprising at least two diverse ethylene interpolymers wherein one interpolymer has a lower number of carbons than the at least one other interpolymer. The ethylene polymer blend preferably comprises at least one homogeneously branched ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer blended with at least one heterogeneously branched ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer and is characterized as having a density greater than or equal to 0.90 g/cm3 and in particularly preferred embodiments is further characterized as having an intrinsic tear value greater than or equal to 150 grams. The inventive ethylene polymer blend can be used to make various fabricated articles, especially extruded forms and most especially films such as high strength thin gauge packaging film, impact resistant shrink film and heat sealable packaging film.

Abstract: An alkyl .alpha.-cyanoacetate is reacted with ammonia in a glycol solvent medium to form cyanoacetamide. Advantageously and without requirement of separation of the formed cyanoacetamide in glycol solvent (even though the next step and entire procedure can optionally commence with pre-formed cyanoacetamide), 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide is formed in situ by treating the cyanoacetamide in glycol with an appropriate mixture of bromine and an alkali metal bromate at about 10.degree. C-40.degree. C. Excellent and stable antimicrobial compositions may then be prepared, as part of an overall integrated process by incorporating in the resultant 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide-containing reaction mass an appropriate quantity of paraformaldehyde or equivalent satisfactory stabilizer at a suitably adjusted pH level.