Common Types of Polyethylene (PE)
- Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)
- Ultra low-density polyethylene (ULDPE)
- High-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE)
- Metallocene polyethylene (mPE)
- Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)
What are the applications of polyethylene?
Uses of Polyethylene
- The most important application of polyethylene is in packaging products. ...
- 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. ...
Is high density polyethylene toxic?
The chemicals are so toxic during the manufacturing stage that even a small amount in contact with skin can be fatal. HDPE is identified by a #2 stamp. HDPE stands for high density polyethylene, which is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. This is the safest plastic available, because it is very non-reactive.
What are the physical properties of polyethylene?
What are the Physical and Chemical Properties of Polyethylene? Physical Properties. The mechanical strength of polyethylene is relatively lower than other plastics. The rigidity and the hardness of these polymers are also relatively low. Polyethylene is known to be highly ductile. Furthermore, this plastic is known to possess very high impact ...
How do you glue polyethylene?
- Rough the polyethylene surface (s) with a coarse sand paper then clean the surface with a soft cloth.
- Saturate the polyethylene surfaces with an adhesion promoter for polymers.
- Spray a light mist of a solvent based Activator/Accelerator (AA) on one of the polyethylene surfaces.
See 7 key topics from this page & related content
See 5 key topics from this page & related content
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What are the different types of polythene?
The Basics On 7 Common Types of Plastic1) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)2) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)4) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)5) Polypropylene (PP)6) Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)7) Other.
What is the most common type of polyethylene?
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)High-density polyethylene (HDPE) Polyethylene is the world's most common plastic, and it most often appears in three forms: high-density, low-density and linear low-density (we'll discuss those more below).
What are the two types of polythene?
The two key categories of plastic are thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics (thermosets). Thermoplastic products have the ability to be continually softened, melted and reshaped/recycled, for instance in injection molding or extrusion resins. However, thermoset products do not have this property.
Is all polyethylene the same?
There are several types of polyethylene, and each one is best suited for a different set of applications. Generally speaking, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is much more crystalline, and is often used in entirely different circumstances than Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE).
Which is better polypropylene or polyethylene?
Polyethylene has a lower melting point compared to the higher melting point of polypropylene. (this may be a good test for you) Polypropylene is not as sturdy as polyethylene. Polypropylene is stiffer and resistant to chemicals and organic solvents compared to polyethylene.
How do you know if a plastic is polypropylene or polyethylene?
The colour of flame, scent and characteristics of burning can give an indication of the type of plastic: Polyethylene (PE) - Drips, smells like candlewax. Polypropylene (PP) - Drips, smells mostly of dirty engine oil and undertones of candlewax.
What is another name for polyethylene?
Polyethylene or polythene (abbreviated PE; IUPAC name polyethene or poly(methylene)) is the most commonly produced plastic.
What are the different types of polypropylene?
There are two main types of polypropylene available: homopolymers and copolymers. The copolymers are further divided into block copolymers and random copolymers. Each category fits certain applications better than the others but often it doesn't matter which one is used.
What kind of plastic is polyethylene?
thermoplasticPolyethylene is by far the most common type of consumer plastic, and is used in many everyday materials. It is a thermoplastic product, meaning that it can be melted into a liquid and then cooled back into a solid, many times over.
Which is better HDPE or PP?
Density is a key factor that differentiates HDPE from PP. Because HDPE has a lower density, it can be more rigid. Thanks to its lower density, though, PP, can be used when moulding parts with lower weight. Like HDPE, Polypropylene offers good chemical resistance.
Which is better LDPE or HDPE?
LDPE is well known for being widely used in plastic bags as its low density makes it light and flexible, rendering it perfect for this kind of application. HDPE, on the other hand, is harder and offers higher strength and better resistance to heat.
Which is stronger HDPE or polyethylene?
LDPE is softer and more flexible than HDPE. It also has a lower melting point (115° C) and is more transparent. Compared to HDPE, it is more likely to crack under stress. HDPE is rigid and durable and offers greater chemical resistance.
Which type of plastic is an example for polythene?
Polyethylene or polythene (abbreviated PE; IUPAC name polyethene or poly(methylene)) is the most commonly produced plastic. It is a polymer, primarily used for packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes and containers including bottles, etc.)....Polyethylene.NamesMagnetic susceptibility (χ)−9.67×10−6 (HDPE, SI, 22 °C)21 more rows
What kind of plastic is polyethylene?
thermoplasticPolyethylene is by far the most common type of consumer plastic, and is used in many everyday materials. It is a thermoplastic product, meaning that it can be melted into a liquid and then cooled back into a solid, many times over.
What is LDPE used for?
LDPE is a very versatile plastic and is often used in flexible film and bag applications, but it can also be used to make bottles, food storage containers and rigid trays.
Is an example of polyethylene?
Polyethylene is a member of the important family of polyolefin resins. It is the most widely used plastic in the world, being made into products ranging from clear food wrap and shopping bags to detergent bottles and automobile fuel tanks.
How are polyethylenes classified?
Polyethylene can be classified into several different types based on the density of the plastic and the degree of branching in its structure. The type of branching and the extent of branching has a direct impact on the mechanical properties of the plastic. Therefore, different types of polyethylene exhibit different mechanical properties.
What is the chemical formula for polyethylene?
The primary constituent of polyethylene is ethylene (an organic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C 2 H 4; IUPAC name: ethene). For the production of polyethylene, the typical specifications involve less than 5 parts per million of oxygen, water, and other alkenes. However, other compounds can be present during the polymerization reaction as contaminants. Some commonly accepted contaminants during the production of polythene include nitrogen, methane, and ethane.
What are the Physical and Chemical Properties of Polyethylene?
The mechanical strength of polyethylene is relatively lower than other plastics. The rigidity and the hardness of these polymers are also relatively low.
How much polyethylene is produced annually?
It can be noted that over 100 million tonnes of polyethene is produced on an annual basis for commercial and industrial purposes. The general formula of polyethylene can be written as (C 2 H 4) n. Most types of polyethylene are thermoplastic (they can be remoulded by heating). However, some modified polyethylene plastics exhibit thermosetting ...
What is crosslinked polyethylene?
Cross-linked polyethylene, often abbreviated to PEX or XPE, is a type of polyethylene that features a cross-linked chemical structure. The primary application of cross-linked polyethylene is in the construction of pipework systems and radiant heating and cooling systems.
What is the most common catalyst for polymerization of ethylene?
One of the most commonly used catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene is titanium (III) chloride (which is sometimes referred to as a Ziegler-Natta catalyst).
What is high density polyethylene used for?
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.
What is the density of mPE?
mPE typically has a very even chain branching. Its density ranges from .870 to .965 g/cc.
What is PE used for?
The material is used in a large number of applications, including plastic bottles, bags, toys, and films. PE is the material of choice in a variety of products due to its unique chemical properties which allow it ...
Is PE a recyclable material?
Polyethylene products are also easily recyclable via plastic recycling streams, and its resins can be re-used and re-purposed several times over.
How is polyethylene made?
Polyethylene is made by addition or radical polymerization of ethylene (olefin) monomers. (Chemical formula of Ethene - C 2 H 4 ).
What is polyethylene used for?
Polyethylene is used in applications ranging for films, tubes, plastic parts, laminates, etc. in several markets (packaging, automotive, electrical, etc.).
What is HDPE in manufacturing?
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a cost-effective thermoplastic with linear structure and no or low degree of branching. It is manufactured at low temperature (70-300°C) and pressure (10-80 bar) & derived from either:
What is LDPE in chemistry?
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a semi-rigid and translucent polymer. Compared to HDPE, it has a higher degree of short and long side-chain branching. It is produced at high pressure (1000-3000 bar; 80-300°C) via free radical polymerization process.
What is HDPE used for?
Fibers and Textiles – Thanks to its high tensile strength, HDPE is widely used in ropes, fishing and sport nets, nets for agricultural use, Industrial and decorative fabrics, etc.
What is cross linked polyethylene?
Cross linked polyethylene is produced from polyethylene under high pressure with organic peroxides which creates a free radical. The free radical generates the crosslinking of the polymer which results in a resin that is specifically designed for critical applications like chemical storage pipework systems, hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems, and insulation for high voltage electrical cables.
What is the replacement for low density polyethylene?
In the present-day scenario, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) has been quite successful in replacing Low Density Polyethylene.
What is the most common type of polyethylene?
When you think of plastic you see in your everyday life, like milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and plastic toys, you’re thinking of things made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This material can be used in tank manufacturing, because it is a strong material with high chemical resistance. Unfortunately, because HDPE is a thermoplastic material, it tends to be notch sensitive and can unzip in tank applications.
What is a medium density polyethylene?
Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) is a material in a class of its own since it represents the transition range between LDPE and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Typically, LDPE’s density ranges between .91- .95 grams per cubic centimeter, and high density starts at .954. MDPE is that transition range in which they overlap. Poly Processing’s OR-1000™ antioxidant barrier is made with MDPE. MDPE is a thermoplastic resin and therefore does not have the structural backbone to create chemical storage tanks.
What is UHMWPE used for?
It is a hard material, so it can be used as bushings in machines, medical implants like joint replacements, and different types of wires and cables.
What is XLPE made of?
Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that has an additive package compounded into it which results in the polymer chains being bonded together and thus a more robust product.
Why is LLDPE used in molds?
Some people choose LLDPE to mold smaller parts with because it exhibits a lot of the properties of high-density polyethylene - like puncture and impact resistance as well as being a thermoplastic material. This makes LLDPE a good choice for certain applications such as blow molded drums and small totes. MDPE and LLDPE materials are resistant to many chemicals but are not structural enough to use for manufacturing tanks.
Is polyethylene used in injection molding?
Polyethylene is available in several different types. Some are made for injection molding, others for extrusion, others for blow molding and yet others for rotational molding. Beyond being designed for a specific manufacturing technique or process, the polyethylene resins further differ in density and structural strength. While strength of the wall differs greatly from type of resin, the chemical formula and chemical resistance remain largely unchanged. Let’s take a look at the types of polyethylene and their applications.
