Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer of ethylene. This plastic, the most popular in the world, is a white waxy mass, chemically resistant, cold-resistant, with insulating and shock-absorbing properties, that softens when heated (at 80-120°C), solidifies when cooled and has low adhesion. Polyethylene is produced by way of ethylene polymerization. There are high-density, low-density and medium-density polyethylenes, depending on the method of production.
Types of Polyethylene
Polyethylene is synonymous with plastic. It is classified into different types based on its density
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) stands out for its robustness and durability, making it ideal for applications demanding strength.
High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) has a specific density of 0.941-0.959 g/cm3. HDPE is characterized by excellent rigidity, wear-resistance, chemical resistance and surface gloss. Since HDPE is more rigid than other polyethylenes, it is used for blow molding of bottles, barrels and cans and the extrusion of gas and water pipes.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) offers unparalleled flexibility and versatility
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has a specific density of 0.91-0.925 g/cm3. Low-density polyethylene is characterized by high rigidity, crack-resistance, transparency, flexibility and high elongation, plus low shrinkage during molding.
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) strikes a balance, providing a mix of strength and flexibility for a wide range of uses.
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) has a melting point of 122°C. Advantages: high softening temperature (which allows to use it for hot products packaging), excellent performance characteristics at low and high temperatures, surface gloss and crack-resistance.
Uses of Polyethylene
- The most important application of polyethylene is in packaging products. This plastic is often employed for the production of plastic bags, plastic films, bottles, geomembranes, and containers.
- Polyethylene is also used in crates, trays, jugs that carry milk or fruit juices, and other food packaging products.
- High-density polyethylene is used in toys, garbage containers, ice trays, and other houseware. The versatility of this plastic makes it ideal for a wide spectrum of applications.
- HDPE is also used in ropes, fishing nets, agricultural nets, and industrial fabrics. It is not uncommon for this plastic to be used in wirings and cables as well.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in the production of squeeze bottles, garbage bags, laminations, and food packaging due to its high flexibility and low cost.
- LDPE is also used in pipes and fittings. It is ideal for such applications due to its low water absorption and also due to its plasticity.
- Polyethylene is also used for cable jacketing since it is a good insulator of electric current.
Gneebio is a professional chemical raw material manufacturer and global distributor. Our company is located in Henan Province, China. We have multiple partner chemical factories in Henan, covering an area of 3,600 square meters, providing customers with a one-stop chemical procurement service, including mixing, repackaging, storage, and distribution.
Our hot-selling products include aromatic hydrocarbons (Naphtha (petroleum), Benzene, Toluene, o-Xylene, Styrene, Cyclohexane, Cyclohexanone, Epsilon-Caprolactam, 2-Anilinoethanol, etc.), alcohols (Ethylene Glycol, 1-Butanol, 2-Methyl-1-Propanol, Ethyl Alcohol, etc.), phenols and ketones (Phenol, Propafenone, Bisphenol A, Phenyl Methacrylate, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, Phenolic Resin, etc.), and petrochemicals.
