Polyethylene
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most versatile and widely used thermoplastics in the world. With its excellent chemical resistance, durability, and flexibility, polyethylene serves as an ideal material for numerous applications across industries including packaging, construction, automotive, and consumer goods.
Polyethylene Product Specifications
Our polyethylene products meet the highest industry standards and are available in various grades to suit different applications. Below are the key specifications:
- Density: 0.910-0.965 g/cm³ (depending on grade)
- Melting Point: 115-135°C (239-275°F)
- Tensile Strength: 10-40 MPa (varies by type)
- Impact Resistance: Excellent
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to most acids, alcohols, bases
- Operating Temperature: -50°C to 80°C (-58°F to 176°F)
- UV Resistance: Available with UV stabilizers
| Type | Density (g/cm³) | Melt Index (g/10min) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDPE | 0.910-0.925 | 0.2-50 | Plastic bags, squeeze bottles |
| LLDPE | 0.915-0.925 | 0.5-20 | Stretch film, liners |
| HDPE | 0.941-0.965 | 0.1-30 | Milk jugs, piping, toys |
| UHMWPE | 0.930-0.935 | 0 (non-flowing) | Medical devices, bearings |
Polyethylene FAQ
What are the main advantages of polyethylene over other plastics?
Polyethylene offers several advantages: it's lightweight yet durable, chemically resistant to many substances, has excellent impact strength even at low temperatures, provides good electrical insulation, and is moisture-resistant. It's also one of the most cost-effective plastic materials available today, with excellent processing characteristics for various manufacturing methods.
How does polyethylene affect the environment?
While polyethylene is recyclable (recycling codes #2, #4), improper disposal can lead to environmental concerns. The material is not biodegradable, but modern recycling programs and the development of bio-based polyethylene from renewable resources are helping reduce its environmental impact. Many polyethylene products are now made with recycled content, and the material's durability means products last longer, reducing waste.
Polyethylene Manufacturing Processes
Polyethylene can be manufactured through several processes, each producing material with different characteristics:
- High Pressure Process: Produces LDPE with long and short chain branching
- Slurry Process: Used for HDPE production
- Gas Phase Process: Produces LLDPE and HDPE
- Solution Process: Creates polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution
What's the difference between HDPE and LDPE polyethylene?
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) has a linear structure with minimal branching, resulting in higher density (0.941-0.965 g/cm³), greater strength, and higher temperature resistance. LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) has more branching in its molecular structure, giving it lower density (0.910-0.925 g/cm³) but greater flexibility and clarity. HDPE is used for stiff products like milk jugs and pipes, while LDPE is used for flexible items like plastic bags and squeeze bottles.
Polyethylene Applications
The versatility of polyethylene makes it suitable for countless applications:
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Plastic bags, shrink wrap, food containers, bottles |
| Construction | Piping, insulation, vapor barriers, geomembranes |
| Medical | Syringes, medical device components, prosthetics |
| Automotive | Fuel tanks, bumpers, interior trim components |
| Consumer Goods | Toys, housewares, furniture, storage containers |