POLYMERIZATION

Next, the ethylene is put into a fluidized bed, where a polymerization reaction takes place, converting the ethylene into polyethylene. This process needs very high pressures and a catalyst.

The polymerization reaction must be carefully monitored because how the polymer grows and banches defines the properties of the plastic. Different catalysts, operating pressures, and operating temperatures allow the engineers to make a hard plastic, or for our story, a flexible garbage bag.

One difference between the polymerization reaction for polyethylene and other reaction is that this reaction is a free radical reaction, and the catalyst is involved in the reaction. Traditionally, a catalyst only provides a site for a reaction to take place.

If you are interested in the polymerization equations, click here: