Modifying tubular LDPE with free radical initiator
AssigneeEquistar Chemicals, LP
InventorsDebra L. Beran, Mark P. Mack, Anil W. Saraf
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Abstract
A method of modifying a tubular low density polyethylene (LDPE) is disclosed. In the method ethylene is polymerized with a free radical initiator in a high pressure reactor to form an LDPE. The LDPE is then reacted with a free radical initiator to produce a modified polyethylene. The modified polymer has an increased long chain branching index as indicated by the increase in the gel permeation chromatography branching index.
Claims15
A method comprising reacting the tubular LDPE with a free radical initiator under conditions effective to produce a modified LDPE having increased long chain branching compared to the tubular LDPE.
A process comprising polymerizing ethylene in a high pressure tubular reactor to produce an LDPE, degassing the LDPE in a high pressure separator, and extruding the LDPE to form pellets, wherein a free radical initiator is mixed and reacted with the LDPE after it is discharged from the tubular reactor but before or during the extrusion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.