Synthesis of Metallocene Catalyzed Ethylene 1,7-Octadiene Copolymer: Effect of Copolymerization on Polymer Properties

In this article, metallocene catalyzed polyethylene homopolymer and ethylene 1,7-octadiene copolymers were synthesized and the produced polymers were characterized. The results show that these polymers were high density polyethylene. The effect of comonomer 1,7-octadiene on thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of the polymers was investigated. The molecular weight, melting temperature (T-m), d-spacing, crystallite size, and % crystallinity (% X-c) decrease with the increase in comonomer content. Polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer exhibit cold drawing processes. The tensile stress-strain plots show multiple necks. A reduction in tensile modulus, strength, and strain at break is seen for copolymers compared to homopolymer. The effect of comonomer content on dynamic and extensional rheology of the polymers was also studied. In addition, Direct Current conductivity and dielectric property of the polymers were also reported. The results were interpreted in terms of mainly polymer type, molecular weight, and crystallinity.