Polyethylene

Polyethylene or polythene (abbreviated PE) is the most common plastic in use today. It is a polymer, primarily used for packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, containers including bottles, etc.).

History

Polyethylene was first synthesized by the German chemist Hans von Pechmann, who prepared it by accident in 1898 while investigating diazomethane. During World War II, it was used in the UK to insulate radar cables.

Types

There are several types of polyethylene:

• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)
• Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
• Very-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE)
• Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
• Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX or XLPE)

Properties

Polyethylene is a thermoplastic. However, it can become a thermosetting plastic when modified (such as being cross-linked).

Production

Polyethylene is produced by the polymerization of ethylene (ethene), a gaseous hydrocarbon. The process involves the use of catalysts and is carried out under high pressure.

Applications

Polyethylene is used in a vast array of applications, including packaging, plastic parts and reusable containers, various molded laboratory equipment, plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, and many more.

Environmental Impact

Polyethylene is not biodegradable and has been found in many environmental contexts, including oceans and other bodies of water.

See Also

• Plastic
• Polymer
• Thermoplastic
• Thermosetting plastic

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