A commercially viable solution process to control long-chain branching in polyethylene. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38484054/)

These scientists wanted to find a new way to make a special type of plastic called polyethylene. Normally, polyethylene is made using a process that requires a lot of energy and pressure. But in this study, the scientists discovered a different method. They used a special catalyst that helps to create a unique ladder-like structure in the polyethylene. This ladder-branching process involves having two polymer chains growing on the same metal center, which allows them to add a small amount of a specific molecule called alpha,omega-dienes to the mix.

By using this new method, the scientists were able to create a type of polyethylene that has properties similar to the traditional polyethylene but with some differences. They studied the molecular weight distributions, different signatures, and characteristics of the new plastic using advanced techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance and rheology tests. Overall, this new approach could be a better and more efficient way to make this type of plastic for different industrial uses.

Froese RD., Arriola DJ., den Doelder J., Hou J., Kashyap T., Lu K., Martinetti L., Stubbert BD. A commercially viable solution process to control long-chain branching in polyethylene. Science. 2024 Mar 15;383(6688):1223-1228. doi: 10.1126/science.adn3067. Epub 2024 Mar 14.