What is the total amount of pressure required for the production of LDPE?

1000-2000 atm

The correct answer is option 3. 1000-2000 atm.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is produced through a process called high-pressure polymerization. In this process, ethylene monomers (ethylene molecules, which are composed of two carbon atoms and four hydrogen atoms) are polymerized to form long chains of polyethylene.

During high-pressure polymerization, ethylene gas is typically fed into a reactor vessel along with a catalyst, which initiates the polymerization reaction. The reactor is maintained at high pressure, typically ranging from 1000 to 2000 atmospheres (atm), and at moderate temperatures, usually around 100-300°C. The high pressure helps to force the ethylene molecules to react and form polymer chains, while the catalyst facilitates the reaction.

Under these conditions, the ethylene molecules undergo addition polymerization, where the double bond between the carbon atoms in each ethylene molecule breaks, and the carbon atoms form single bonds with other ethylene molecules, creating a chain-like structure. This process continues until long chains of polyethylene are formed, resulting in the production of LDPE.

The high-pressure polymerization process allows for the production of LDPE with a low density and a high degree of branching in its molecular structure. This branching gives LDPE its characteristic properties, including flexibility, toughness, and good resistance to impact and chemicals. LDPE is commonly used in various applications such as packaging films, plastic bags, containers, and toys due to its versatility and favorable properties.

Overall, the high-pressure polymerization process is essential for producing LDPE, and the pressure range of 1000 to 2000 atm is typically required to facilitate efficient polymerization and achieve the desired properties in the final product.