High-pressure polymerization of ethylene in the presence of supercritical water

In a process for polymerizing ethylene and, if desired, further monomers in a high-pressure reactor at from 140 to 320° C. and pressures of from 1000 to 4000 bar, but in any case under pressure and temperature conditions under which water displays supercritical behavior, water is introduced continuously or intermittently into the reactor.