What is polyethylene and what are its uses

Global production of polyethylene is estimated at about 80 million tons, making it the most important type of plastic around the world. Therefore, it is important to understand what polyethylene is and what its uses are

General properties of polyethylene

Polyethylene is made from ethylene, which is a compound derived from natural gas or petroleum, and is subject to change, which can be melted and shaped as desired, making it reusable and low cost. Among all the different types of plastic, it is the most widespread and important type around the world

In its natural form, clear, transparent polyethylene tends to turn white as the amount of crystals increases. It is used in plastic wraps, plastic bags and plastic containers, and colorants can be added to it. It degrades by UV rays, so 2-3% of carbon black powder is added to it when used in sunlight. The chemical resistance properties of polyethylene are excellent, covering a wide range of chemicals

Polyethylene types and uses

Polyethylene is classified as one of several major and well-known compounds

LDPE, LLDP, HDPE

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, Medium Density Polyethylene, Ultra Low Molecular Weight Polyethylene, High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, Crosslinked High Density Polyethylene, Crosslinked Polyethylene

The degree of branching and crystallinity of the polyethylene product varies in behavior and properties. Low-density polyethylene is characterized by good toughness (the ability to be formed without breaking) and excellent elongation (the ability to stretch) as it can be stretched up to 6 times from its original length before breaking, which makes it capable of forming and making packages and sheets tubes and basins

Low Density: It is a very flexible material with very distinctive properties that make it suitable for the uses of plastic packaging in particular, such as shopping bags.

Linear Low Density Polyethylene: very similar to the former with the added benefits of being able to alter properties by modifying the components of the formula, and that the overall production process usually has lower energy consumption than

High Density Polyethylene: A strong, medium-density, strong plastic with a highly crystalline structure, the plastic is frequently used for milk cartons, laundry baskets, waste bins and cutting boards.

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene: It is a very dense version of polyethylene with molecular weights greater than. It can be spun into yarn with a tensile strength many times greater than steel, and is usually employed with a high-performance tool such as bulletproof vests.