Question

Write the name of catalyst used in preparation of HDP.

Hint:

Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963 for this discovery, as it revolutionized the plastics industry.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
High-Density Polyethylene (HDP) is a polymer produced from ethylene. Unlike Low-Density Polyethylene (LDP), it requires specific low-pressure conditions and a specialized coordination catalyst.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The polymerization of ethene into HDP is carried out at temperatures of \( 333 \, K \) to \( 343 \, K \) and under a pressure of \( 6-7 \) atmospheres.
The catalyst used is the Ziegler-Natta catalyst, which is a combination of triethyl aluminium \( [Al(C_2H_5)_3] \) and titanium tetrachloride \( [TiCl_4] \).
This catalyst allows the formation of linear chains that pack closely together, resulting in high density and high tensile strength.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The catalyst used for High-Density Polyethylene (HDP) is the Ziegler-Natta catalyst.