Question

What is the structural difference between low density and high density polythenes?

Answer 1

Low density polythene: There are many branches in this polythene. Intramolecular chain transfer processes during polymerization cause branching. One long branch and fifty little branches are possible for a standard low-density polythene. However, there is no cross-linking in the molecule. The low density of polythene molecules is caused by branching, which prevents them from packing tightly.

High density polythene: The molecules in this polythene are straight and have little branching. These molecules are easily able to pack themselves. Therefore, this kind of polythene has a high density and is known as high density polythene.