What is polyethylene commonly used to make?
polyethylene (PE), light, versatile synthetic resin made from the polymerization of ethylene. 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.
Is polyethylene the same a polystyrene?
From Google search: As nouns, the difference between polyethylene and polystyrene is that polyethylene is (organic compound) a polymer consisting of many ethylene monomers bonded together; used for kitchenware, containers etc while polystyrene is (organic chemistry) a vinylic polymer of styrene, ch2chphenyl.
What is the formula of polyethylene?
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 properties. An example of such a class of polyethylene is cross-linked polyethylene (often abbreviated to PEX).
What is the classification of polyethylene?
Classification. Polyethylene is classified by its density and branching. Its mechanical properties depend significantly on variables such as the extent and type of branching, the crystal structure, and the molecular weight. There are several types of polyethylene:
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How is polypropylene abbreviated?
Polypropylene = Abbreviated as: PP; P.P.
What material is PP and PE?
Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) are used in much more than just poly bags. From stretch film to tape, plastic sheeting to strapping, plastic is everywhere. Better yet, both materials are recyclable, which makes them a great choice for those with sustainability in mind.
What is the trade name of polyethylene?
Plastic Trade NamesTrade NamesMaterialCompanyPaxonHDPEPaxon PolymerPetrothenePolyethyleneQuantumPlexiglasAcrylicAtoHaasPolystrolPolystyreneBASF141 more rows•May 23, 2022
What is polyethylene PE used for?
Principal uses are in packaging film, trash and grocery bags, agricultural mulch, wire and cable insulation, squeeze bottles, toys, and housewares.
Is polyethylene a polyester or PE?
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.).
Is PE the same as PP?
Differences Between Polypropylene and Polyethylene The primary distinction between polyethylene and polypropylene is that polyethylene is produced by polymerizing ethylene monomer units, while polypropylene is produced by polymerizing propylene monomer units.
Is HDPE the same as polyethylene?
HDPE is a type of polyethylene with a linear structure. Since its molecules are packed together tightly, HDPE is an incredibly strong polyethylene with high tensile strength, rigidity, and impact resistance. HDPE is also resistant to chemicals and can be UV-resistant.
What are the three different types of polyethylene?
Collectively, Polyethylene is the most common plastics in the world, but it's classified into three types: High-Density, Low-Density and Linear Low-Density.
What type of plastic is polyethylene?
Polyethylene 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.
Is PE the same as Peg?
The price-to-earnings (PE) ratio and price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio are very similar. Both ratios are used to understand the company's stock price relative to its earnings-per-share (EPS). The only difference between the two ratios is that the PEG ratio factors in the expected growth rate on earnings.
How can you tell if plastic is polyethylene?
One of the simplest ways to carry out a flame test is by cutting a sample from the plastic and igniting it in a fume cupboard. The colour of flame, scent and characteristics of burning can give an indication of the type of plastic: Polyethylene (PE) - Drips, smells like candlewax.
Is PE plastic food safe?
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Virgin HDPE is a safe plastic for food contact. The FDA has sanctioned recycled HDPE for food contact on a case-by-case basis for over 20 years. HDPE resin produces plastic that is corrosion-resistant and absorbs little moisture, making it well-suited for storing beverages.
Are PP and PE recyclable?
Because polypropylene bags are woven using fabric fibers, they are typically made almost entirely of plastic, which means they are both fully recyclable and reusable.
What type of material is PP?
thermoplasticsPolypropylene (PP) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics in the world. Polypropylene uses range from plastic packaging, plastic parts for machinery and equipment and even fibres and textiles.
What does PP and PE stand for?
Posted by Jane White on June 16, 2020 5:58 pm. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) both have gained popularity as materials for plastic packaging.
What material is PP made of?
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic “addition polymer” made from the combination of propylene monomers. It is used in a variety of applications to include packaging for consumer products, plastic parts for various industries including the automotive industry, special devices like living hinges, and textiles.
How are radicals generated?
In each method, a radical is generated in the polyethylene chain (top center), either by radiation (h·ν) or by peroxides (R-O-O-R). Then, two radical chains can either directly crosslink (bottom left) or indirectly by silane compounds (bottom right).
Why are hot melt adhesives not used?
Hot-melt adhesives. Adhesives and solvents are rarely used because polyethylene is nonpolar and has a high resistance to solvents . Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) are feasible if the surface chemistry or charge is modified with plasma activation, flame treatment, or corona treatment .
How is polyethylene classified?
Polyethylene is classified by its density and branching. Its mechanical properties depend significantly on variables such as the extent and type of branching, the crystal structure, and the molecular weight. There are several types of polyethylene:
What is the most common plastic in the world?
Polyethylene or polythene (abbreviated PE; IUPAC name polyethene or poly (methylene)) is the most common plastic in use today. It is a polymer, primarily used for packaging ( plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes and containers including bottles, etc.). As of 2017.
Why are adhesives and solvents rarely used?
Adhesives and solvents are rarely used because polyethylene is nonpolar and has a high resistance to solvents. Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) are feasible if the surface chemistry or charge is modified with plasma activation, flame treatment, or corona treatment .
What are the different grades of polyethylene?
With regard to sold volumes, the most important polyethylene grades are HDPE, LLDPE, and LDPE.
How are radicals generated in polyethylene?
In each method, a radical is generated in the polyethylene chain (top center), either by radiation (h·ν) or by peroxides (R-O-O-R). Then, two radical chains can either directly crosslink (bottom left) or indirectly by silane compounds (bottom right).
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 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 low density polyethylene used for?
Pipes and Fittings – Low-Density Polyethylene is used to manufacture water pipes and hoses for the pipes and fittings industry due to Its plasticity and low water absorption.
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Overview
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.). As of 2017 , over 100 million tonnes of polyethylene resins are being produced annually, accounting for 34% of the tota…
History
Polyethylene was first synthesized by the German chemist Hans von Pechmann, who prepared it by accident in 1898 while investigating diazomethane. When his colleagues Eugen Bamberger and Friedrich Tschirner characterized the white, waxy substance that he had created, they recognized that it contained long −CH2− chains and termed it polymethylene.
The first industrially practical polyethylene synthesis (diazomethane is a notoriously unstable su…
Properties
The properties of polyethylene can be divided into mechanical, chemical, electrical, optical, and thermal properties.
Polyethylene is of low strength, hardness and rigidity, but has a high ductility and impact strength as well as low friction. It shows strong creep under persistent force, which can be reduced by addition of short fibers. It feels waxy when touched.
Manufacturing process
The ingredient or monomer is ethylene (IUPAC name ethene), a gaseous hydrocarbon with the formula C2H4, which can be viewed as a pair of methylene groups (−CH 2−) connected to each other. Typical specifications for PE purity are <5 ppm for water, oxygen, and other alkenes contents. Acceptable contaminants include N2, ethane (common precursor to ethylene), and metha…
Joining
Commonly used methods for joining polyethylene parts together include:
• Welding
• Fastening
• Adhesives
Adhesives and solvents are rarely used because polyethylene is nonpolar and has a high resistanc…
Classification
Polyethylene is classified by its density and branching. Its mechanical properties depend significantly on variables such as the extent and type of branching, the crystal structure, and the molecular weight. There are several types of polyethylene:
• Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Environmental issues
Polyethylene is produced from ethylene, and although ethylene can be produced from renewable resources, it is mainly obtained from petroleum or natural gas.
Moreover, the widespread usage of polyethylene poses difficulties for waste management if it is not recycled. Polyethylene, like other synthetic plastics, is not readily biodegradable, and thus accumulates in landfills. Recycling is mad…
Chemically modified polyethylene
Polyethylene may either be modified in the polymerization by polar or non-polar comonomers or after polymerization through polymer-analogous reactions. Common polymer-analogous reactions are in case of polyethylene crosslinking, chlorination and sulfochlorination.
In the low pressure process α-olefins (e.g. 1-butene or 1-hexene) may be added, which are incorporated in the polymer chain during polymerization. These copolymers introduce short sid…