Question

What makes HDPE have higher density and strength as compared to LDPE?

• A. It's because of the crosslinked molecular chains which enable better packing
• B. It's because of linear chains which lead to better packing
• C. It's because of branched chains which lead to better packing
• D. It's because of a crystalline structure

Answer 1

HDPE has a higher density because of its low degree of branching. Because of almost linear chains they can be packed closer together which leads to better packing and stronger intermolecular forces.



LDPE, on the other hand, is highly branched and can't be as tightly packed.