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Varying the Properties
The new product is called linear low density poly(ethene) or lIdpe.
Different applications require different combinations of rigidity and toughness. Ziegler catalysts can produce chains with short branches by mixing other alkenes, like but-1-ene or hex-1-ene, with the ethene. These are called co-monomers. Branches make poly(ethene) less crystalline, tougher and more flexible.

There is further advantage with lldpe over ldpe. It is flexible enough to be used for the same purposes, but in a thinner gauge so that the same amount of material goes further.

There is a further advantage with lldpe over ldpe. It is flexible enough to be used for the same purposes, but in a thinner gauge so that the

Ziegler catalysts gave birth to an industry that manufactures poly(ethene)s (and other alkene based polymers) with a wide range of properties tailored to particular applications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The ability to control the structure, and therefore the properties, of poly(ethene) by the use of co-monomers has lead to a wide range of uses. Click here to find out about some of these.