Investigating the Effect of Different Kinetic Parameters on UHMWPE Synthesis

In the present work, a titanium-based Ziegler-Natta catalyst was employed to synthesize ultra molecular weight polyethylene in a slurry medium. The effect of different parameters such as ethylene pressure, temperature, catalyst composition, and hydrogen pressure was studied. As the results indicate, increasing either [Al]/[Ti] ratio or temperature causes polymerization rate to go through a maximum. In addition, an increase in either monomer pressure or stirrer speed augments polymer molecular weight. Reducing hydrogen pressure also raises polymer molecular weight. Finally, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is produced in the absence of hydrogen.