Abstract: A process including combining polystyrene and a first solvent to form a polystyrene solution; heating the polystyrene solution; adding a second solvent to the polystyrene solution with optional stirring whereby polystyrene microparticles are formed via microprecipitation; optionally, cooling the formed polystyrene microparticles in solution; and optionally, removing the first solvent and second solvent. A polystyrene microparticle formed by a microprecipitation process, wherein the polystyrene particle has a spherical morphology, a particle diameter of greater than about 10 micrometers, and a weight average molecular weight of from about 38,000 to about 200,000 Daltons. A method of selective laser sintering including providing polystyrene microparticles formed by a microprecipitation process; and exposing the microparticles to a laser to fuse the microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous dispersion of water-soluble polymers, which comprises a step (E) of radical polymerization, wherein the following are brought into contact in an aqueous medium (M) in which the synthesised polymer is not soluble: at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer which is soluble in the aqueous medium (M); at least one source of free radicals; and a reactive stabiliser which comprises: a polymer chain (CP) which is soluble in the medium (M), a group (G) providing the radical polymerization of step (E) with a living and controlled nature, such as, for example, a group carrying a thiocarbonylthio —S(C?S)— group.

Abstract: Propylene polymer compositions comprising: A) from 70 wt % to 95 wt %, of a random copolymer of propylene with ethylene, containing from 3.5 wt % to 8.5 wt %, of ethylene derived units, having a content of fraction soluble in xylene at 25° C. comprised between 7.1 wt % and 15.2 wt % and having a melting point higher than 142.0° C.; B) from 5 wt % to 35 wt %, of a copolymer of propylene with ethylene, containing from 8.5 wt % to 17.0 wt % of ethylene derived units; the sum A+B being 100; the melt flow rate, MFR (ISO 1133 (230° C., 2.16 kg).) from 0.6 g/10 min to 20.2 g/10 min.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin, sequentially including the steps of: storing or producing acrylic acid; mixing acrylic acid containing a polymerization inhibitor with water, a crosslinking agent, and optionally, a basic composition, and/or neutralizing them, to prepare an aqueous monomer solution; polymerizing the aqueous monomer solution; drying an obtained water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer; and optionally carrying out surface crosslinking, wherein the acrylic acid containing the polymerization inhibitor has a water content of not higher than 1,000 ppm (by mass; the same applies hereinafter), and/or the aqueous monomer solution has a formic acid content of 1 to 700 ppm, relative to the monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous dispersion of water-soluble polymers, which comprises a step (E) of radical polymerization, wherein the following are brought into contact in an aqueous medium (M) in which the synthesized polymer is not soluble: at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer which is soluble in the aqueous medium (M); at least one source of free radicals; and a reactive stabilizer which comprises: a polymer chain (CP) which is soluble in the medium (M), a group (G) providing the radical polymerization of step (E) with a living and controlled nature, such as, for example, a group carrying a thiocarbonylthio —S(C?S)— group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising the steps of: •—processing an aqueous polymer gel from polymerization of a monomer solution or suspension, •—drying the aqueous polymer gel in a conveyer dryer, in particular in a forced air conveyer dryer, wherein •—the conveyer dryer has a circulating conveyer belt and the aqueous polymer gel is conveyed on the circulating conveyer belt, and wherein •—the circulating conveyer belt is formed as a circulating plate conveyer belt, comprising a number of belt plates separated by a hinge line of a hinge assembly and each belt plate having a surface for receiving the aqueous polymer gel, wherein said hinge assembly comprises a knuckle joint (301) with the hinge line in form of a straight hinge line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypropylene which has—a melt flow rate MFR(230° C., 2.16 kg) of at least 13 g/10 min,—an amount of xylene solubles XS of 6.0 wt % or less, and—a crystalline fraction, wherein at least 10% of the crystalline fraction melts the temperature range of from 160 to 170° C., as determined by the stepwise isothermal segregation technique (SIST).

Abstract: This invention relates to poly(acrylonitrile) homo- or co-polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 200,000 g/mol and a dispersity () of less than 1.3.

Abstract: Method for operating a process for producing a polymer by polymerization of a monomer and an optional comonomer in a gas phase fluidized bed reactor during steady-state and non-steady-state conditions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns microcapsules comprising a capsule core and a capsule wall, the capsule wall being constructed from 30% to 90% by weight of one or more C1-C24-alkyl esters of acrylic and/ or methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and/or maleic acid (monomers I), 10% to 70% by weight of a mixture of divinyl and polyvinyl monomers (monomers II), the fraction of polyvinyl monomers being in the range from 2% to 90% by weight based on the monomers II, and also ?0% to 30% by weight of one or more miscellaneous monomers (monomer III), all based on the total weight of the monomers, a process for their production and their use in textiles, bindered building materials and heat transfer fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having a melt index less than 50 g/10 min, a ratio of Mw/Mn from 4 to 20, a density from 0.90 to 0.945 g/cm3, and a substantially constant short chain branch distribution. These polymers can be produced using a dual catalyst system containing a boron bridged metallocene compound with a cyclopentadienyl group and an indenyl group, and a single atom bridged metallocene compound with a fluorenyl group.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a water absorbent resin having improved physical properties, particularly, improved saline flow conductivity (SFC) and less amount of fine powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synthesizing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene containing fluoropolymers using non-fluorinated surfactants in an emulsion process. No fluorinated surfactants are used in the process, and a persulfate initiator is used as the primary initiator. The process produces high molecular weight copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles with improved permeability, comprising the steps of polymerization, drying, grinding, classification and thermal surface postcrosslinking, with pneumatic conveying between grinding and classification.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymerization method of propylene, which can prepare a propylene homopolymer with both high fluidity and high rigidity as well as a propylene/?-define copolymer having both high fluidity and a good rigidity-toughness balance by, for example, control of polymerization steps and elevation of polymerization temperature, while the catalyst still maintains a relatively high polymerization activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ethylene polymerization process, a catalyst for use in the process, a production method employing the catalyst, and a product produced thereby. More specifically, disclosed is a process of producing an ethylene copolymer from ethylene and an alpha-olefin comonomer, in which the produced ethylene copolymer has a multimodal molecular weight distribution and excellent processability and physical properties, and thus can increase the value and productivity of products, including pipes and films. Particularly, the produced ethylene copolymer has a trimodal or higher molecular weight distribution or density distribution, and thus, when it is a linear low-density copolymer, it has an excellent effect of improving the impact strength of films, and when it is a medium-density ethylene copolymer, it can be produced into pipes, which have slow crack growth rate and can be used even at high temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a method for making a polyolefin comprising contacting one or more olefins in a reactor containing a catalyst; polymerizing the one or more olefins to produce an olefin polymer characterized by a first melt flow ratio (MFR) and a first haze; and altering the reaction temperature in the reactor to shift the first MFR to a MFR that is different than the first MFR and to shift the first haze to a haze that is different than the first haze.

Abstract: A method for producing aqueous polymer dispersions by means of radically initiated emulsion polymerisation, in an aqueous medium, of vinyl ester and ethylene, in series-connected polymerisation reactors, wherein in a first discontinuous polymerisation phase at least some of the reactants are introduced into the first polymerisation reactor and the remainder is added in a metered fashion. The reactor is filled up to more than 90% by volume, and at least 90 wt % of the monomers are reacted; in a second continuous polymerisation phase, the reactants are continuously supplied to the first polymerisation reactor and product is continuously withdrawn, and the product is continuously transferred into a second polymerisation reactor, and in the second polymerisation reactor the polymerisation is continued until at least 98 wt % of the monomers used have reacted.

Abstract: The method of making high-density polyethylene with titania-iron nanofillers involves mixing a TiO2/Fe titania-iron nanofiller with a vanadium (III) complex bearing salicylaldiminato ligands polymerization catalyst in a reactor. The reactor is then charged with toluene and heated to a temperature of about 30° C. Following heating, ethylene is fed into the reactor at a fixed pressure, and a methyl aluminum dichloride cocatalyst is added to initiate in situ polymerization. Polymerization is quenched to yield high-density polyethylene with titania-iron nanofillers, which is then washed and dried. Through the addition of a TiO2/Fe nanofiller, the molecular weight, the crystallinity and the melting temperature of high-density polyethylene are all increased, while the polydispersity index (PDI) is decreased.

Abstract: Provided are ethylene copolymers with excellent impact resistance. More specifically, provided are ethylene copolymers satisfying certain correlation between the falling dart impact strength (F) or high rate impact resistant breakage energy (E) and Vicat softening point. The ethylene copolymers with improved impact properties are applicable to film, injection, compound, sheet, roto, pipe or blow molding.

Abstract: The present invention concerns microcapsules comprising a capsule core and a capsule wall, the capsule wall being constructed from 30% to 90% by weight of one or more C1-C24-alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and/or maleic acid (monomers I), 10% to 70% by weight of a mixture of divinyl and polyvinyl monomers (monomers II), the fraction of polyvinyl monomers being in the range from 2% to 90% by weight based on the monomers II, and also 0% to 30% by weight of one or more miscellaneous monomers (monomer III), all based on the total weight of the monomers, a process for their production and their use in textiles, bindered building materials and heat transfer fluids.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising polymerization, drying, comminution, classification and recycling of the undersize obtained in the classification, wherein the recycled undersize is coated with a reducing agent and/or inorganic particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition, comprising (i) a polypropylene homopolymer, (ii) a polypropylene random copolymer, prepared by copolymerization of propylene with an olefin comonomer and having an amount of olefin comonomer units of 0.2 to 5 wt %, and (iii) an elastomeric copolymer of propylene and at least one olefin comonomer, the polymer composition having a tensile modulus, determined according to ISO 527-2/1B at 1 mm/min. and 23° C., of at least 1200 MPa.

Abstract: Monomer/solvent separation and recycle processes for continuous supercritical, solution and advanced solution polymerization processes for propylene-containing polymers and their blends are provided. The advantageous monomer/solvent separation and recycle process includes heating a polymer-lean recycle stream coming from a gravimetric separator positioned downstream of the reactor to form a heated polymer-lean recycle stream, and subsequently combining the heated polymer-lean recycle stream with the one or more homogenous reactor effluent streams to form a heated reactor effluent mixed stream. The heated reactor effluent mixed stream may then be passed through a pressure let-down valve followed and a gravimetric separator, such as to provide for reduced fouling propensity of the polymer-rich phase and sufficient heating of the polymer-rich phase to be able to pass through the remainder of the processing steps to form a propylene based polymer product without additional heat.

Abstract: A process for preparing polymer dispersions stabilized by polyvinyl alcohol includes a step of emulsion polymerization. The polymerization occurs such that at least 60% of the total conversion occurs at a temperature from 100° C. to 140° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel one-step process for preparing an aqueous polymer dispersion by the free radical aqueous emulsion polymerization comprising mixing at least water, a dispersant, and an oil-soluble initiator; raising a temperature from the starting to the end reaction temperature while metering at least ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a water-soluble initiator into a reaction vessel, conducting polymerization of the monomers in the presence of the water-soluble initiator at a temperature up to the end reaction temperature, and when the temperature has reached the end reaction temperature, conducting polymerization by the oil-soluble initiator. The oil-soluble initiator is inactive at the starting reaction temperature and becomes more active as a temperature approaches the end reaction temperature at which the oil-soluble initiator is fully active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing polymeric particles by polymerizing a monomer solution, which comprises removing the polymer gel from the reactor when the gel temperature is at least 50° C. and the monomer conversion is not more than 90 mol %, and also to a process for producing hygiene articles.

Abstract: A continuous polymerization apparatus is provided for producing an amphoteric electrolyte resin by continuous bulk polymerization at low cost, which apparatus includes a reaction vessel, the reaction vessel including at least four polymerization zones adjacent to each other in series, each polymerization zone being separated by a partition plate, the partition plates admitting a stirring shaft with stirrers, each of the polymerization zones having a thermosensor for sensing temperature within the polymerization zone, a heating device for heating the polymerization zone and a cooling device for cooling the polymerization zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing crosslinked acrylic acid polymers, wherein the method is a precipitation polymerization which is carried out in a solvent comprising hydrocarbon and/or alkyl ester at least two different temperatures and with at least two different initiators. The present invention further relates to crosslinked polymers which are obtainable by the method according to the invention, and also to cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations which comprise such polymers.

Abstract: The methods and compositions disclosed herein describes a solution containing at least one block co-polymer that is a liquid at lower temperatures and transitions to a gel at higher temperatures. The compositions are useful, for example, as an alternative to saline or silicone-gel as fillers for prostheses.

Abstract: A monomer comprising vinylidene fluoride as a principal component is suspension-polymerized by supplying the monomer in division to a polymerization system containing a polymerization initiator at a pressure below a critical pressure Pcr (=4.38 MPa) of vinylidene fluoride and at a pressure above Pcr. As a result, a vinylidene fluoride polymer having excellent high-temperature coloring resistance and with remarkably less elution of organic matter and ionic components is produced, without using a specific halogenated hydrocarbon and without incurring troublesome labor and cost for recovery thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing polymer particles which includes: forming polymer particles by heterogeneous polymerization of a monomer in a supercritical fluid and/or subcritical fluid, wherein a radical polymerization initiator (I) having in a molecular at least a group having radical-generation capability and a group having affinity for the supercritical fluid and/or subcritical fluid, and a radical polymerization initiator (II) are used in combination.

Abstract: A heterogeneous rubbery polymer is provided that includes a polymer chain derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diolefin monomer, wherein from greater than 20 weight percent to about 40 weight percent of units in the rubbery polymer are derived from the vinyl aromatic monomer and from about 60 weight percent to about 80 weight percent of units in the rubbery polymer are derived from the conjugated diolefin monomer. The polymer chain is further characterized by having greater than zero and less than about 30 weight percent of the vinyl aromatic units in sequences containing 1 vinyl aromatic unit, from about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of the vinyl aromatic units in sequences containing 5 to 8 vinyl aromatic units, and greater than zero and less than about 5 weight percent of the vinyl aromatic units in sequences containing 9 or more vinyl aromatic units.

Abstract: Powders or hydrophilic manufactured articles of E/CTFE and/or E/TFE thermoprocessable polymers, or of CTFE copolymers, wherein, on the surface of the powder or the manufactured article, one or more of the following hydrophilic units are present: —C(COOH)H—CH2—; —C(COOM)H—CH2—; —C(OCOOH)H—CH2—; —C(OCOOM)H—CH2—; with M=alkaline ion.

Abstract: A process for producing an amphoteric electrolyte resin by continuous bulk polymerization at low cost is provided. Also provided is an apparatus for achieving the process. The process comprises the steps of: feeding, from the mixture supply side, a mixture comprising 0.01 to 10 wt % of at least one radically polymerizable basic monomer containing a nitrogen atom, 0.01 to 35 wt % of at least one radically polymerizable acidic monomer having a carboxyl group and 45 to 99.98 wt % of a monomer capable of copolymerizing with these monomers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a transition metal complex having a high catalytic activity for the preparation of an ethylene homopolymer or a copolymer of ethylene and ?-olefin and a catalyst composition comprising the same. More specifically, there are provided a transition metal complex having, around a group IV transition metal, a cyclopentadiene derivative and at least one aryl oxide ligand with a heterocyclic aryl derivative substituted at the ortho-position thereof, with no crosslinkage between the ligands, a catalyst composition comprising the transition metal complex and an organoaluminum compound or boron compound as cocatalyst, and a method for the preparation of high molecular weight ethylene homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene and ?-olefin using the same.

Abstract: Process for preparing polyolefins having high molecular weights in the presence of a catalyst comprising an organic transition metal compound in a gas-phase fluidized-bed reactor, where the polyolefins prepared have a melt flow rate at 2.16 kg and 190° C. in accordance with ISO 1133 of less than 4 g/10 min. According to the present invention, a start-up phase during which a polyolefin having an increased melt flow rate of above 4 g/10 min is produced for a transitional period is provided. In this way, trouble-free start-up of the reactor is ensured even in the case of polymer products having a high molecular weight and a melt flow rate below 4 g/10 min and even when using catalysts based on organic transition metal compounds, in particular metallocene catalysts.

Abstract: A propylene polymer composition comprising (weight percentages being referred to the sum of A+B): (A) 75-95% by weight of a copolymer of propylene comprising from 0.5 to 3.0 mole % of comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C4-C8 alpha-olefins; and (B) 5-25% by weight of a copolymer of propylene comprising from 25 to 45 mole % of ethylene units, said propylene polymer composition having a melt flow rate value according to ISO 1133 (230° C., 2.16 Kg) of from 20 to 40 g/10 min.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing/suppressing sheeting or agglomerates during polymerization of olefins, especially during the fluidized bed gas phase polymerization of olefins. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for reducing/suppressing sheeting or agglomerates during the product grade transition and/or catalyst transitions occurring polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isotactic propylene homopolymer having: more than 15 and less than 100 regio defects (sum of 2,1-erythro and 2,1-threo insertions and 3,1-isomerizations) per 10,000 propylene units; an Mw of 35000 g/mol or more; a peak melting temperature of greater than 149° C.; an mmmm pentad fraction of 0.85 or more; a heat of fusion of 80 J/g or more; and a peak melting temperature minus peak crystallization temperature (Tmp?Tcp) of less than or equal to (0.907 times Tmp) minus 99.64 (Tmp?Tcp<(0.907×Tmp)?99.64), as measured in ° C. on the homopolymer having 0 wt % nucleating agent.

Abstract: A vinyl-based polymer having a mass average molecular weight of 1500 to 10000, which is prepared by a first step of continuously feeding a material mixture containing a vinyl-based monomer to a continuous tank type first reactor, and polymerizing the vinyl-based monomer under the conditions of a polymerization temperature of 150° to 300° C. and a retention time of 1 to 60 minutes at a rate of polymerization of 50 to 99% to obtain a reaction intermediate mixture; and a second step of feeding a polymerization initiator in the amount of 0.01 to 5 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the vinyl-based monomer and the reaction intermediate mixture to a second reactor, and further polymerizing the vinyl-based monomer under the conditions of a polymerization temperature of 100° to 200° C. and a retention time of 10 to 240 minutes at a rate of polymerization of 80% or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of ethylene homopolymers or copolymers in the presence of free-radical polymerization initiators and, if desired, molecular weight regulators at from 120° C. to 350° C. and pressures in the range from 100 to 4000 bar, in which the polymer is separated from unpolymerized ethylene in a high-pressure stage at a pressure of from 100 to 500 bar and at least one low-pressure stage at a pressure of from 1 to 100 bar and the ethylene separated off in the high-pressure stage is separated from remaining monomeric, oligomeric and/or polymeric constituents and recirculated to the inlet of the tube reactor in a high-pressure circuit and the ethylene separated off in the low-pressure stage is separated from remaining monomeric, oligomeric and/or polymeric constituents and recirculated to the inlet of the tube reactor in a low-pressure circuit. The initiator is used as a solution in an isoparaffinic solvent having a boiling point of not more than 160° C.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous polymerization with a simple constitution to produce a polymer having a high quality, as well as a method for producing the polymer using the apparatus, are provided. The apparatus comprises a vessel; a means for supplying a monomer to the vessel; a means for supplying a polymerization initiator to the vessel; a means for detecting a temperature in the vessel; a means for regulating a temperature of an outer wall surface of the vessel so as to have a preset temperature; and a means for controlling a supply flow rate of the monomer and/or the polymerization initiator to the vessel by the monomer supply means and/or the initiator supply means so that the temperature in the vessel becomes substantially the same temperature as the preset temperature.

Abstract: Methods and system for in-situ measurement of polymer growth within an olefin polymerization reactor are provided. The method includes polymerizing one or more olefins within a reactor at a first temperature sufficient to deposit a polymer coating therein. A second temperature is created within the reactor, and a rate of temperature change is measured from the first temperature to the second temperature. The rate of temperature change is correlated to a thickness of the polymer coating deposited within the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first embodiment to a polymer film comprising a propylene random copolymer with a total comonomer content of 4.5 to 12 mol % wherein the sealing initiation temperature SIT of the film is Tm?30° C. or less, preferably Tm?33° C. or less, in a second embodiment to a polymer film comprising a propylene random copolymer with a total comonomer content of 4.5 to 12 mol % wherein the film is having a relative reduction of the static friction value (inside-inside) from one to four days of 35% or more, preferably 40% or more, in a third embodiment to a polymer film comprising a propylene random copolymer with a total comonomer content of 4.5 to 12 mol % wherein the distribution of the comonomer in the random copolymer determined according to TREF method is multimodal, preferably bimodal, in a fourth embodiment to a polymer film comprising a propylene random copolymer with a total comonomer content of 4.5 to 12 mol %, wherein the copolymer is having an elution interval of 50° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for stopping continuous polymerization in which a raw material monomer is polymerized in a reaction vessel by continuously feeding the raw material monomer and a polymerization initiator in the reaction vessel, which process comprises the steps of, in the midst of the polymerization reaction, stopping feeding of the polymerization initiator to the reaction vessel with keeping stirring in the reaction vessel; and adjusting a feed flow rate of the raw material monomer to the reaction vessel so that a temperature T1 (° C.) in the reaction vessel and a temperature T2 (° C.) of an external wall thereof satisfy a relation represented by the formula: T2?20?T1?T2+20.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing ethylene is disclosed. The polymerization is performed in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system in two slurry reaction zones. Most of the polyethylene (70-95 wt. %) is produced in one of the zones, while a smaller fraction is produced in the other zone. The ratio of the weight average molecular weight of the smaller fraction to that of the larger fraction is greater than 8:1. The resulting polyethylene blend, which should have both high melt strength and high extrudate swell, will be useful for blow-molding applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of ethylene polymers and copolymers in which ethylene is compressed in a primary compressor at a throughput of at least 55 tonnes/hour, mixed with recycled ethylene and further compressed in a two-stage reciprocating secondary compressor having at least 14 cylinders to a pressure of at least 2300 bar at a throughput of at least 120 tonnes/hour, heating at least a portion of that ethylene to a temperature of at least 95° C. and introducing it into a tubular reactor of diameter at least 65 mm and a length of at least 1500 m, introducing initiator in at least three reaction zones to give a conversion of at least 28% and maintaining a pressure drop over the reactor to maintain a flow velocity of at least 6 m/s.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a conjugated diene-containing polymer wherein a stream comprising conjugated diene monomer and a specified catalyst, that includes a lanthanide compound and an aluminoxane, is passed through an orifice into the reaction zone of a polymerization vessel, maintained under specific pressure conditions to form a cement having a viscosity that allows the cement to be conveyed through a devolatilization zone, where desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.