POLYETHYLENE (PE)

CAS Number: 9002-88-4
EC Number (EINECS): 618-339-0
Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄)ₙ
Molecular Weight: Variable (typically 10,000–1,000,000 g/mol)
Chemical Class: Thermoplastic (semi-crystalline)

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND MATERIAL CLASSIFICATION

Parameter	Description
Chemical Name (IUPAC)	Poly(ethylene)
Other Names	PE, Ethene Homopolymer, Polythene
CAS Number	9002-88-4
EC Number (EINECS)	618-339-0
Molecular Formula	(C₂H₄)ₙ
Molecular Weight	Variable (typically 10,000–1,000,000 g/mol)
Chemical Class	Thermoplastic (semi-crystalline)
Structure	–(CH₂–CH₂)ₙ–
Appearance	White to translucent pellets, granules, or powder
Odor	Odorless

SECTION 2: TYPES OF POLYETHYLENE

Property	LDPE	LLDPE	HDPE	UHMWPE
Density (g/cm³)	0.910–0.925	0.915–0.940	0.940–0.965	0.930–0.945
Crystallinity	Low (40–50%)	Medium (50–60%)	High (60–80%)	Very High (80–85%)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	8–20	15–30	20–40	40–60
Elongation at Break	100–600%	200–800%	100–500%	300–500%
Vicat Softening Point (°C)	80–95	90–110	110–130	120–135
Hardness (Shore D)	40–50	50–60	60–70	60–70
Chemical Resistance	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Impact Resistance	Moderate	High	High	Very High
Common Applications	Film, bags, bottles	Film, stretch, packaging	Pipes, containers, drums	Wear parts, armor
Processing Method	Extrusion, film	Extrusion, film	Injection, extrusion	Compression molding

SECTION 3: DETAILED PROPERTIES BY TYPE

3.1. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Property	Value / Range
Density	0.910–0.925 g/cm³
Melting Point	105–115°C
Crystallinity	40–50%
Tensile Strength	8–20 MPa
Elongation at Break	100–600%
Hardness (Shore D)	40–50
Vicat Softening	80–95°C
Flexibility	High
Transparency	Translucent
Processability	Excellent
Advantages	Flexible, cheap, easy to process
Disadvantages	Low strength, low heat resistance

3.2. Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

Property	Value / Range
Density	0.915–0.940 g/cm³
Melting Point	120–130°C
Crystallinity	50–60%
Tensile Strength	15–30 MPa
Elongation at Break	200–800%
Hardness (Shore D)	50–60
Vicat Softening	90–110°C
Advantages	Higher strength than LDPE, tear resistance
Disadvantages	Less transparent, harder to process

3.3. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Property	Value / Range
Density	0.940–0.965 g/cm³
Melting Point	125–135°C
Crystallinity	60–80%
Tensile Strength	20–40 MPa
Elongation at Break	100–500%
Hardness (Shore D)	60–70
Vicat Softening	110–130°C
Advantages	High strength, good chemical resistance, stiffness
Disadvantages	Less flexible, less transparent

3.4. Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Property	Value / Range
Molecular Weight	3,000,000–6,000,000 g/mol
Density	0.930–0.945 g/cm³
Melting Point	130–140°C
Crystallinity	80–85%
Tensile Strength	40–60 MPa
Elongation at Break	300–500%
Hardness (Shore D)	60–70
Vicat Softening	120–135°C
Abrasion Resistance	Excellent
Advantages	Excellent wear resistance, low friction, high impact resistance
Disadvantages	Very difficult to process, high cost

SECTION 4: POLYETHYLENE COMPARISON TABLE

Property	LDPE	LLDPE	HDPE	UHMWPE
Density (g/cm³)	0.910–0.925	0.915–0.940	0.940–0.965	0.930–0.945
Crystallinity (%)	40–50	50–60	60–80	80–85
Melting Point (°C)	105–115	120–130	125–135	130–140
Tensile Strength (MPa)	8–20	15–30	20–40	40–60
Elongation at Break (%)	100–600	200–800	100–500	300–500
Hardness (Shore D)	40–50	50–60	60–70	60–70
Vicat (°C)	80–95	90–110	110–130	120–135
Flexibility	High	High	Low	Low
Transparency	Translucent	Translucent	Opaque	Opaque
Chemical Resistance	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Impact Resistance	Moderate	High	High	Very High
Abrasion Resistance	Moderate	Moderate	High	Excellent
Cost	Low	Medium	Low	High
Processability	Excellent	Good	Good	Difficult
Main Application	Film, bags	Film, stretch	Pipes, containers	Wear parts

SECTION 5: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property	LDPE	HDPE
Solubility in Water	Insoluble	Insoluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents	Toluene, xylene, naphtha at 80°C	Toluene, xylene, naphtha at 80°C
Water Absorption (24h)	<0.01%	<0.01%
Thermal Conductivity	0.33 W/(m·K)	0.45–0.52 W/(m·K)
Specific Heat	2.3 kJ/(kg·K)	2.3 kJ/(kg·K)
Thermal Expansion	200–400×10⁻⁶ /K	100–200×10⁻⁶ /K
Dielectric Constant	2.3	2.3
Dielectric Strength	18–20 kV/mm	18–20 kV/mm
Volume Resistivity	>10¹⁵ Ω·cm	>10¹⁵ Ω·cm
Decomposition Temperature	>300°C	>300°C
Service Temperature	-40°C to +80°C	-60°C to +100°C

5.1. Chemical Resistance

Chemical	LDPE	HDPE
Acids (Dilute)	Excellent	Excellent
Acids (Concentrated)	Good	Good
Alkalies	Excellent	Excellent
Alcohols	Good	Good
Oils and Greases	Good	Good
Aromatic Hydrocarbons	Poor	Poor
Chlorinated Solvents	Poor	Poor
Oxidizing Agents	Moderate	Moderate
Water	Excellent	Excellent
Gasoline	Moderate	Moderate

SECTION 6: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES

6.1. Packaging Industry (~60%) - Largest Application

Application	PE Type	Advantages
Stretch Film	LLDPE	Flexibility, cling
Shrink Film	LDPE	Clarity, shrinkage
Plastic Bags	LDPE / HDPE	Low cost, durability
Carrier Bags	LDPE / HDPE	Lightweight, cheap, portable
Greenhouse Film	LDPE / LLDPE	UV stability, light transmission
Lamination Films	LDPE	Adhesion, barrier
Drip Irrigation Pipes	LLDPE / HDPE	Flexibility, durability
Food Packaging	LDPE / LLDPE	Food contact, barrier

6.2. Pipes and Profiles (~15%)

Application	PE Type	Advantages
Water Pipes	HDPE	Corrosion resistance, flexibility
Gas Pipes	HDPE	Pressure resistance, weldability
Sewage Pipes	HDPE	Chemical resistance, long life
Electrical Conduits	HDPE / LDPE	Insulation, lightweight

6.3. Automotive (~8%)

Application	PE Type	Advantages
Fuel Tanks	HDPE	Impact resistance, chemical resistance
Interior Trim	LDPE / HDPE	Flexibility, low cost
Coatings	LDPE	Water resistance, durability
Pipes	HDPE	Flexibility, chemical resistance

6.4. Consumer Goods (~10%)

Application	PE Type	Advantages
Containers and Drums	HDPE	Durability, chemical resistance
Toys	LDPE / HDPE	Non-toxic, impact resistance
Caps and Closures	HDPE / LDPE	Sealing, low cost
Household Items	HDPE / LDPE	Durability, cleanability

6.5. Electrical and Electronics (~4%)

Application	PE Type	Advantages
Cable Insulation	LDPE / HDPE	Electrical insulation, flexibility
Cable Sheaths	HDPE	Abrasion resistance, durability
Connectors	HDPE	Insulation, durability

6.6. Other Applications (~3%)

Application	PE Type	Advantages
Textiles	HDPE	Durability, fiber
Medical	HDPE / UHMWPE	Biocompatibility, sterilization
Agriculture	LDPE / LLDPE	UV stability, flexibility
Construction	HDPE	Impermeability, durability

SECTION 7: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

7.1. Advantages

Advantage	Description
Low Cost	One of the cheapest engineering thermoplastics
Lightweight	Low density (0.91–0.97 g/cm³)
Chemical Resistance	Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and salts
Water Resistance	Very low water absorption (<0.01%)
Flexibility	LDPE and LLDPE offer high flexibility
Food Contact	FDA approved (food contact)
Recyclability	Fully recyclable
Processability	Processable by all thermoplastic methods
Temperature Resistance	-40°C to +130°C (depending on type)
Durability	Long service life

7.2. Disadvantages

Disadvantage	Description
Low Heat Resistance	Softens at high temperatures (80–130°C)
Low Strength	Lower than polypropylene and ABS
Flammability	Flammable, not flame retardant
UV Resistance	Degrades outdoors without UV stabilization
Oxidation	Susceptible to oxidative degradation
Solvent Sensitivity	Soluble in some organic solvents

SECTION 8: PROCESSING METHODS

Method	Temperature Range	PE Types	Applications
Injection Molding	180–240°C	LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE	Caps, containers, parts
Extrusion	180–230°C	LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE	Pipes, profiles, films
Blow Molding	180–220°C	HDPE, LDPE	Bottles, containers
Film Blowing	180–210°C	LDPE, LLDPE	Bags, packaging films
Rotational Molding	250–350°C	LLDPE, HDPE	Large parts, tanks
Thermoforming	130–180°C	HDPE, LDPE	Packaging, trays

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGY AND SAFETY

Parameter	Value / Description
GHS Classification	Not classified
Oral LD₅₀ (Rat)	>5,000 mg/kg (very low toxicity)
Skin Irritation	Not irritating
Eye Irritation	Mild irritant (dust)
Inhalation (Dust)	May cause mechanical irritation
Thermal Decomposition	>300°C releases hydrocarbon vapors
Combustion Products	CO₂, CO, water vapor
Recycling Code	#2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE)

SECTION 10: ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Parameter	Value
Biodegradability	Not biodegradable
Recyclability	Yes (mechanical recycling)
Combustion Products	CO₂, CO, water vapor
Microplastics	A concern
Recycling Code	#2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE)
Marine Environment	Contributes to microplastic pollution

SECTION 11: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Storage Conditions:

Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Protect from direct sunlight (UV degradation)
Keep away from heat sources and flames
Protect from moisture (not hygroscopic)

Shelf Life:

Product Type	Shelf Life
PE Pellets	12–24 months (in cool, dry storage)
PE Film	6–12 months (depends on UV stabilization)

Degradation Indicators:

Color change (yellowing)
Brittleness
Surface cracks
Oxidation odor

SECTION 12: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter	Information
UN Number	Not regulated
Hazard Class	Not classified as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name	Polyethylene (non-hazardous)
ADR/RID	Not regulated
IMDG	Not regulated
IATA	Not regulated
Dust Explosion Hazard	Fine dust suspended in air can be explosive

SECTION 13: SYNONYMS AND COMMON NAMES

Type	Names
Turkish	Polietilen, Poli Etilen, PE
English	Polyethylene, PE, Ethene Homopolymer, Polythene
Trade Names	Alathon, Lupolen, Sclair, Hostalen, Petrothene, Marlex, Dowlex, Borstar
Recycling Codes	#2 HDPE, #4 LDPE

SECTION 14: REGULATORY STATUS

Regulation	Status
REACH (EU)	Registered
TSCA (USA)	Listed
FDA (USA)	Food contact approved (21 CFR 177.1520)
EU Food Contact (10/2011)	Permitted
RoHS	Compliant
California Prop 65	Not listed
Conflict Minerals	Not applicable

SECTION 15: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

Product Summary

Parameter	Value
Product	Polyethylene (PE)
CAS	9002-88-4
Appearance	White to translucent pellets
Density	0.910–0.965 g/cm³ (depending on type)
Key Properties	Low cost, chemical resistance, lightweight
Key Industry	Packaging (~60%)

CRITICAL WARNINGS

Most Widely Used Plastic: Polyethylene is the most widely used plastic raw material in the world. Its low cost and versatility make it the leader in the packaging industry.
Type Selection: Choose the appropriate PE type for your application: LDPE/LLDPE for films, HDPE for pipes, UHMWPE for wear parts.
Food Contact: Approved for food contact under FDA 21 CFR 177.1520. Safe for use in food packaging.
Temperature Resistance: Service temperature range -40°C to +130°C (depending on type).
Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, alcohols, and salts. Avoid aromatic and chlorinated solvents.
UV Resistance: Degrades outdoors without UV stabilization. UV stabilizers required for outdoor applications.
Recyclable: Fully recyclable. Recycling codes: #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE).
Processability: Processable by injection, extrusion, blow molding, film blowing, and rotational molding.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, UV-protected areas.
Regulatory Status: REACH, TSCA, and FDA compliant.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Polyethylene.

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