AbstractSeveral properties of polyethylene, synthesized by Co60gamma radiation have been investigated. The polymerization reactions were carried out in static experiments over a wide range of conditions. Measurements include molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, density, methyl group content, crystalline melting point, and melt index. The density of polyethylene formed at 20°C. was found to be 0.94 g./cc. This value appears to be independent of pressure from 170 to 1700 atm. and radiation intensity from 0.58 × 105to 4.7 × 105rads./hr. Increasing temperature results in increasing methyl group content and a decrease in density to 0.91 g./cc. at 200°C. The polymers formed, over the entire range of experimental conditions, were completely soluble ino‐dichlorobenzene at 135°C. Intrinsic viscosities were determined and their dependence on temperature, pressure, intensity, and radiation dose are shown. An attempt was made to correlate melt index to molecular weight and molecular weight distri
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