Patent ID: 7399809
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: C08F

Abstract:
1. A process of producing a polyethylene comprising (a) polymerizing ethylene or a mixture of ethylene and a C3-C10 α-olefin with a Ziegler or single-site catalyst in an organic solvent to produce an initial polyethylene solution; (b) reacting the polyethylene solution with a free radical initiator at a temperature within the range of about 150° C. to about 250° C. to produce a modified polyethylene; and (c) isolating the modified polyethylene from the solution, wherein the modified polyethylene has an increase in melt elasticity (ER), and an increase in long chain branching index (LCBI) compared to the initial polyethylene, and wherein the modified polyethylene is essentially free of gel.