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Attempt the following · Q5

Q.What is meant by LDP and HDP? Mention the basic difference between the same with suitable examples.

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Step 1. LDP (low density polythene) is made by polymerizing ethylene under very high pressure (1000-2000 atm) and temperature (350-570 K), using traces of oxygen/peroxide as initiator, via a free-radical mechanism that includes intramolecular H-atom abstraction, which introduces branching along the chain.

Step 2. Because LDP's chains are branched, they cannot pack closely, giving a low density; LDP is extremely flexible, tough, chemically inert, moisture-resistant, a poor conductor, and melts around 110 degC, so it is used for pipes, cable insulation, films/sheets for packaging, and squeeze bottles.

Step 3. HDP (high density polythene) is instead made using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst (triethyl aluminium + titanium tetrachloride) at a much milder temperature (333-343 K) and pressure (6-7 atm), giving an essentially linear, unbranched chain. …

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