The optimum temperature and pressure for the production of polyethylene oxide PEO from the monomer ethylene oxide EO using a catalytic reactor are typically in the range of 40-60C and 1-10 atm, respectively. These conditions can vary depending on the specific catalyst used and the desired properties of the resulting polymer.The key properties of the resulting PEO polymer include:1. Molecular weight: The molecular weight of PEO can vary widely, ranging from a few hundred to several million Daltons. The molecular weight can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions, such as the concentration of the monomer, the catalyst, and the reaction time.2. Functionality: PEO is a linear, non-ionic, water-soluble polymer with a repeating unit of - CH2CH2O -. It has a hydrophilic nature due to the presence of ether oxygen atoms in its backbone. This property makes PEO suitable for various applications, such as in drug delivery systems, hydrogels, and as a surfactant.3. Polydispersity: The polydispersity index PDI is a measure of the distribution of molecular weights in a polymer sample. A low PDI indicates a narrow molecular weight distribution, while a high PDI indicates a broad distribution. The PDI of PEO can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions and the choice of catalyst.4. Crystallinity: PEO has a semi-crystalline structure, with the degree of crystallinity depending on the molecular weight and the cooling rate during the solidification process. The crystallinity of PEO affects its mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elongation at break.5. Solubility: PEO is soluble in water and many polar organic solvents, such as ethanol, methanol, and acetone. Its solubility depends on the molecular weight, with lower molecular weight PEO being more soluble in organic solvents.6. Viscosity: The viscosity of PEO solutions depends on the molecular weight and concentration of the polymer. Higher molecular weight PEO results in higher viscosity solutions, which can be useful in applications such as rheology modifiers and thickeners.