Key ideas1 of 3
One monomer, different materials
Both low density poly(ethene), LDPE, and high density poly(ethene), HDPE, are made by polymerising ethene. The ethene double bond opens as monomers join to make long chains. Their repeat unit is the same, but the manufacturing conditions affect branching and how closely the chains can pack. Polymer properties therefore depend on both the starting monomer and the conditions used during manufacture.
