Asked by Lindsey Fortner on May 27, 2024
Verified
When ethylene is polymerized by free-radical initiation, what type of polyethylene is formed?
A) low-density; highly branched
B) low-density; unbranched and highly linear
C) high-density; highly branched
D) high-density; unbranched and highly linear
E) high-density; highly crystalline
Free-radical Initiation
The first step in a free-radical process, involving the generation of free radicals to start a chain reaction.
High-density Polyethylene
A thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer ethylene, characterized by its strength, density, and resistance to moisture and chemicals.
Low-density Polyethylene
A type of polyethylene plastic characterized by its long branching chains, resulting in less dense and more flexible materials.
- Comprehend how conditions during polymerization influence the characteristics of the formed polymer.
Verified Answer
AV
Andrea VazquezMay 31, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
When ethylene is polymerized using free-radical initiation, the resulting polyethylene tends to have a high degree of branching. This branching prevents the polymer chains from packing closely together, resulting in a material that is less dense. Therefore, the polyethylene formed is low-density and highly branched.
Learning Objectives
- Comprehend how conditions during polymerization influence the characteristics of the formed polymer.