Emulsion polymerization of ethylene. IV. Effect of recipe and polymerization conditions on polymer properties

Some Physical, chemical, and solution properties of polyethylene prepared by emulsion polymerization are described and compared with those of conventional high-pressure polymer. The emulsion polymers contain an unusually large amount of low molecular weight material for the solution viscosities they exhibit. It is this low molecular weight material that contributes to the characteristic low elongation of the emulsion polymer, as well as to its wide distribution of molecular weights. The effect of changes in recipe and in conditions of polymerization on these properties is discussed. It is shown that some of the emulsifier present during polymerization becomes part of the polymer chain.