Editing Polyethylene (section)

=== Chain branches ===
The properties of polyethylene are highly dependent on type and number of chain branches. The chain branches in turn depend on the process used: either the high-pressure process (only PE-LD) or the low-pressure process (all other PE grades). Low-density polyethylene is produced by the high-pressure process by radical polymerization, thereby numerous short chain branches as well as long chain branches are formed. Short chain branches are formed by [[Intramolecular reaction|intramolecular]] [[chain transfer]] reactions, they are always [[butyl group|butyl]] or [[ethyl group|ethyl]] chain branches because the reaction proceeds after the following mechanism:
:[[File:PE-LD mechanism en.svg|class=skin-invert-image|Mechanism for the emergence of side chains during synthesis of polyethylene (PE-LD).]]