The catalytic polymerization of ethylene generally follows these steps:
1. Initiation: The catalyst activates an ethylene monomer, creating a reactive center.
2. Propagation: Additional ethylene monomers add to the reactive center, forming long polymer chains.
3. Termination: The polymer chain growth stops through various mechanisms, such as chain transfer or reaction with a terminating agent.
The choice of catalyst influences the polymer's molecular weight, branching, and other properties, allowing manufacturers to tailor polyethylene for specific applications.
