The present invention relates to an orientated polyolefin composition comprising an olefin (co)polymer having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 30,000 to 1,000,000 and a high molecular weight tail extending to molecular weights above 1,000,000, and has a microstructure which is substantially parallel chain extended cores of the component polymer(s) and associated lamellar overgrowths extending in planes normal to the cores. The , lamellar overgrowths on adjacent cores intermesh and are capable of sustaining a haul off tension of at least 10 MPa without breaking during its extrusion.
The orientated polyolefin composition is produced by extruding an olefin copolymer through a die under a pressure of about 5-10 MPa, at a temperature above the self-blocking temperature thereof and by hauling off the extrudate at a tension of at least 10 MPa without breaking. The extrudates so produced have a high modulus.