Polyethylene, Ethene Homopolymer, PE, 9002-88-4

Polyethylene, Ethene Homopolymer, PE, 9002-88-4

Polyethylene is the most widely used plastic raw material in the world and can easily be encountered in daily life. Its main application area is the packaging industry. It offers advantages such as low cost, resistance to temperatures ranging from -40 to +130 degrees, resistance to moisture and chemicals, suitability for contact with food, recyclability, and processability with all thermoplastic methods.

Properties:

• Color: Typically white or translucent

• Density: Varies depending on the type (LDPE, HDPE, etc.)

• Melting Point: Varies depending on the type

• Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents

• Odor: Odorless

Types of Polyethylene:

• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Semi-rigid, translucent, very durable, weather-resistant, good chemical resistance, low water absorption, easily processed by most methods, low-cost products.

• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Flexible, translucent/waxy, weather-resistant, good low-temperature toughness (down to -60°C), easily processed by most methods, low-cost, good chemical resistance.

• Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE): General-purpose strength, used for cling and stretch film production.

Applications:

• Packaging: Shrink wrap, greenhouse film, plastic bags, carrying bags, packaging films, surface coating, drip irrigation pipes, lamination films.

• Automotive: Parts and components.

• Electrical: Insulation materials.

• Consumer Goods: Containers, buckets, pipes, toys, caps, plastic bags, stretch wraps, plastic wraps, sheets, films, bottles, and extrusion-coated paper cartons.

Polyethylene is a thermoplastic that derives its name from the monomer ethylene. It is a lightweight, durable thermoplastic with a variable crystalline structure. It is one of the most produced plastics globally, with tens of millions of tons produced annually. Polyethylene is made by the addition or radical polymerization of ethylene (olefin) monomers. Ziegler-Natta and Metallocene catalysts are used to carry out the polymerization of polyethylene.

Polyethylene (PE) is also known by several other names:

• Polythene

• Ethene homopolymer

• PE

• 9002-88-4 (CAS number)