Polymers
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene is a lightweight, durable thermoplastic with variable crystalline structure. It is one of the most widely produced plastics in the world (tens of millions of tons are produced worldwide each year). Polyethylene is used in applications ranging for films, tubes, plastic parts, laminates, etc. in several markets (packaging, automotive, electrical, etc.).
Polyethylene is made by addition or radical polymerization of ethylene (olefin) monomers. (Chemical formula of Ethene - C2H4). Ziegler-Natta and Metallocene catalysts are used to carry out polymerization of polyethylene.
Common Types of Polyethylene (PE)
PE belongs to polyolefin family of polymers and is classified by its density and branching. The most common types of polyethylene are:
- Branched Versions
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
- Linear Versions
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
- Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX or XLPE)
In addition PE is also available in other types such as:
- Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)
- Very-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE)
- High-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE)
- Ultra-low-molecular-weight polyethylene (ULMWPE)
- Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)
Properties
LDPE Properties:
Semi-rigid, translucent, very tough, weatherproof, good chemical resistance, low water absorption, easily processed by most methods, low cost.
HDPE Properties:
Flexible, translucent/waxy, weatherproof, good low temperature toughness (to -60°C), easy to process by most methods, low cost, good chemical resistance.
Applications
Polyethylene is the most widely used commodity thermoplastic. On a volume basis, HDPE is the most important grade, followed by LLDPE and LDPE. Applications include those in the building and construction, consumer goods, electronics, electrical, and automotive industries. PE is widely used for manufacturing various consumer goods, including containers, buckets, pipes, toys, covers, lids, plastic bags, stretch wraps, plastic wraps, sheets, films, bottles and extrusion coated paper cartons.
