Despite having the exact same monomer (ethene), high-density polythene (HDPE) is significantly tougher, harder, and has a higher density than low-density polythene (LDPE). What is the primary structur

Question

Despite having the exact same monomer (ethene), high-density polythene (HDPE) is significantly tougher, harder, and has a higher density than low-density polythene (LDPE). What is the primary structural reason for this?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Because HDPE is synthesized via coordination polymerization (Ziegler-Natta), the resulting polymer chains are highly linear with virtually no branching. This linearity allows the chains to stack and pack very closely together, resulting in high crystallinity, high density, and increased toughness.

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