Long-chain branched polymers physical properties affected

There are numerous variations on the basic linear structure of polymers. Returning to our example of polyethylene, we find short chain branches and long chain branches, as shown in Figs. 1.2 and 1.3, respectively. The number and type of these branches strongly influences the way that the molecules pack in the solid state, and hence affect the physical properties. Long... 

These two branching processes decrease the regularity of the polyethylene macromolecules. Individual polymer chains may have long branches or butyl branches that occur at random positions. As we will see shortly, this irregularity in the structure dramatically affects the physical properties of the polymer. 

A polymer molecule may have just a linear chain or one or more hranches protruding from the polymer hackhone. Branching results mainly from chain transfer reactions (see Chain Transfer Reactions later in this chapter) and affects the polymer s physical and mechanical properties. Branched polyethylene usually has a few long hranches and many more short hranches... 

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