Polyethylene

Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic produced by the Chain polymerisation of ethylene gas.

Polyethylene has a waxy surface. It is non-polar, opaque (milky to white translucent) and very tough. The benefits of this economical plastic include its high chemical Resistance and low capacity for water absorption. One of the disadvantages of PE is that, although it can be welded, it is difficult to bond or glue.

Various types of polyethylene are used for a wide range of applications, for example as Cable insulation, packaging materials and tubes for gas and water installations.

Polyethylenes are differentiated primarily according to their density, which is determined by the macromolecules of the PE mass.

• HDPE (high density polyethylene) has little branching in its polymer chains, a high Modulus of elasticity and is heat-resistant up to 100 °C.
• LDPE (low density polyethylene) has extensive branching in its polymer chains and a low modulus of elasticity. It is heat-resistant up to 80 °C and - insofar as no strong oxidising agents are present - offers good chemical resistance.
• LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) has linear molecule chains, a low density, a medium yield point and a medium to low modulus of elasticity.
• HMWPE and UHMWPE refer to high-molecular-weight and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene respectively, which feature long or very long molecule chains and a high density.