Chemistry
Exploring the Polymerization Chemistry of Ethylene to make Polyethylene
Quick fact
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is produced using a coordination catalyst like the Ziegler-Natta catalyst at low pressure, while low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is made via free-radical polymerization under extreme pressures—showing how the same monomer can yield plastics with very different flexibility and strength.
Why this is interesting
You probably use polyethylene every day—from grocery bags to milk jugs. But how do we turn a simple gas like ethylene into these versatile plastics? The answer lies in a fascinating dance of catalysts and carbon bonds.