Polyethylene Processes A Brief Overview

Polyethylene (PE) is the largest synthetic commodity polymer in terms of annual production and is widely used throughout the world in a variety of applications. Based on the density, PE is classified as LDPE at 0.910-0.930g/cm3, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at 0.931-0.970g/cm3, and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) based on the polymer chain microstructure. At present, processes that produce PE use the following raw materials  

The main reaction to obtain homopolymers+ from ethylene can be depicted 

The transformation can be achieved in a number of ways. PE is commercially produced exclusively by means of continuous processes. The oldest 

Reactor type Tubular or autoclave Autoclave CSTR Loop or CSTR Fluidized or stirred bed 

Mechanism Free radical Free radical/ coordination Coordination Coordination Coordination 

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