Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Ethene‐graft‐Ethene/Propene Copolymers

The synthesis of ethene/propene macromers with a high amount of sterically unhindered vinyl groups is described. These macromers are incorporated as long‐chain branches into polyethylene (PE). The remaining low molecular fractions were removed by Soxhlet extraction. Up to 60 wt.‐% macromer was included, which leads to comb‐like molecular topographies that distinctly affect the rheological behavior. The thermal activation energy increased significantly and the zero shear‐rate viscosity enhancement factor η ₀ / η was also changed noticeably.