Ethylene-based polymers having a density of 0.952 to 0.968 g/cm3. a ratio of HLMI/MI from 185 to 550. an IB parameter from 1.46 to 1.80, a tan δ at 0.1 sec.sup.-1 from 1.05 to 1.75 degrees, and a slope of a plot of viscosity versus shear rate at 100 sec.sup.-1 from 0.18 to 0.28 are described, with low melt flow versions having a HLMI from 10 to 30 g/10 min and a Mw from 250,000 to 450,000 g/mol, and high melt flow versions having a HLMI from 30 to 55 g/10 min and a Mw from 200,000 to 300,000 g/mol. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved stress crack resistance and topload strength for bottles and other blow molded products.

Ethylene-based polymers having a density of 0.952 to 0.968 g/cm3. a ratio of HLMI/MI from 185 to 550. an IB parameter from 1.46 to 1.80, a tan δ at 0.1 sec.sup.-1 from 1.05 to 1.75 degrees, and a slope of a plot of viscosity versus shear rate at 100 sec.sup.-1 from 0.18 to 0.28 are described, with low melt flow versions having a HLMI from 10 to 30 g/10 min and a Mw from 250,000 to 450,000 g/mol, and high melt flow versions having a HLMI from 30 to 55 g/10 min and a Mw from 200,000 to 300,000 g/mol. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved stress crack resistance and topload strength for bottles and other blow molded products.

A method of controlling long chain branching in an ethylene-based polymer includes polymerizing ethylene with one or more optional monomers to form an ethylene-based polymer, and controlling a degree of long chain branching (LCB) in the ethylene-based polymer. The degree of LCB ranges from 0.1 per 1000 carbon atoms in the polymer backbone to 10 per 1000 carbon atoms in the polymer backbone, as measured by .sup.13CNMR. The degree of LCB is controlled by adding one or more branched vinyl ester to the polymerizing step in an amount ranging from 0.01 mol % to 5.0 mol %, relative to total monomer content. A polymer composition contains the ethylene-based polymer. An article includes the polymer composition containing the ethylene-based polymer.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards method for modifying a polymer flow index. As an example, a method for modifying a polymer flow index can include providing monomers to a polymerization reactor, providing a chromium catalyst to the polymerization reactor, and providing an active amount of a flow index modifier to the polymerization reactor, wherein the flow index modifier is selected from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, 2,4-hexadiene, and combinations thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards method for modifying a polymer flow index. As an example, a method for modifying a polymer flow index can include providing monomers to a polymerization reactor, providing a chromium catalyst to the polymerization reactor, and providing an active amount of a flow index modifier to the polymerization reactor, wherein the flow index modifier is selected from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, 2,4-hexadiene, and combinations thereof.

A pipe (10) includes a polyethylene-based resin layer (21) containing a polyethylene-based resin composition as a major component. The polyethylene-based resin layer (21) forms a pipeline member inner surface (10a). The polyethylene-based resin composition has a calcium concentration of 10 ppm or more and 60 ppm or less.

A pipe (10) includes a polyethylene-based resin layer (21) containing a polyethylene-based resin composition as a major component. The polyethylene-based resin layer (21) forms a pipeline member inner surface (10a). The polyethylene-based resin composition has a calcium concentration of 10 ppm or more and 60 ppm or less.

Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to catalyst systems comprising a metal-ligand complex according to formula (I).

##STR00001##

Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to catalyst systems comprising a metal-ligand complex according to formula (I).

##STR00001##

A composition comprising a high molecular weight, chromium catalyzed ethylene copolymer (also referred to as a polyethylene resin), a nucleating agent and zinc oxide.