Mathematical Modelling of Rheological Properties of Low-density Polyethylene Produced in High-Pressure Tubular Reactors

Abstract

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a commodity polymer widely used in a variety of applications. Due to the complexity of its molecular structure, which includes molecular weight distribution and randomly distributed long-chain branching, its rheological behavior is varied. In the present work, a mathematical model is used to predict molecular and rheological properties of LDPE produced in a high-pressure tubular under different operating conditions. The agreement between flow curve predictions and experimental data is very good, demonstrating the potential of this model as a predictive tool for industrial producers.