Determination of Chain Transfer Constants of Alcohols for High‐Pressure Polyethylene Polymerization
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: In low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) production, low‐molecular‐weight species are used as chain transfer agents (CTAs). They reduce the degree of polymerization, which has an impact on the polymer properties, such as processability. To specifically adjust the product properties, a detailed understanding of the transfer kinetics to CTAs is indispensable. Thus, the transfer activity of various primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols as well as diols was investigated experimentally between 120 °C and 250 °C at 2000 bar. The results were evaluated using the Mayo and chain length distribution (CLD) method, and the latter was found to give more reliable results. It was observed that the hydroxy group systematically increases transfer activity compared to alkanes. Additionally, a linear increase of transfer activity with the number of hydrogen atoms is found.
Source: Chemie Ingenieur Technik
Authors: Laura Euler Bueno, Kristina Maria Zentel, Markus Busch
Institution: Technische Universität Darmstadt
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,840
OpenAlex ID: W4403778245