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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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.

When Ethylene Is Polymerized by Free-Radical Initiation, What Type of Polyethylene