question_answer 58)

  What is the structural difference between HDP and LDP? How does the structure account for different behaviour and nature, hence the use of a polymer ?

Answer:

                  LDP has a branched structure and hence does not pack well. As a result, it has low density. It is a transparent polymer of moderate tensile strength and high toughness. It is flexible and is a poor conductor of electricity. It is widely used as a packaging material (in the form of thin plastic films, bags, etc.), as insulation for electrical wires and cables, in the manufacturing of squeeze bottles, toys and flexible pipes.  Then HDP, on the other hand, has linear structure and hence packs well. As a result, it has higher density and higher m.p. than LDP. It is a translucent polymer. It has greater toughness, hardness and tensile strength than HDP. It is used in the manufacture of containers (buckets, mugs, tubs, etc.) house wares, pipes' both and toys.