Jul 09, 2025
PE (Polyethylene) Plastic: Key Features & Characteristics
Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used plastic globally, valued for its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and adaptable properties. Its features vary by density (e.g., LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE), but core characteristics include: Core Features: 1. Chemical Resistance - Highly resistant to acids, bases, solvents, alcohols, and water. - Ideal for containers holding cleaning agents, fuels, and chemicals. 2. Moisture Barrier - Excellent water vapor barrier (low permeability), making it perfect for packaging films, bottles, and pipes. 3. Flexibility & Toughness - LDPE/LLDPE: Highly flexible, impact-resistant (e.g., squeeze bottles, plastic bags). - HDPE: Rigid yet tough (e.g., milk jugs, cutting boards). 4. Electrical Insulation - Low electrical conductivity, widely used in wire/cable coatings. 5. Lightweight - Low density (0.91–0.97 g/cm³), reducing transport costs. 6. Ease of Processing - Easily molded via injection molding, blow molding, or extruded into films/fibers. 7. Food-Safe & Non-Toxic - FDA/EC compliant grades available for food packaging and medical devices. 8. Recyclability - Widely recycled (♳: HDPE, ♴: LDPE). --- Variants & Their Unique Traits: Type Density Key Properties Common Uses ---------------------------------------------------------- HDPE High (0.94–0.97 g/cm³) Rigid, strong, weather-resistant Pipes, fuel tanks, toys, hard hats LDPE Low (0.91–0.93 g/cm³) Flexible, transparent, easy to seal Plastic bags, cling film, squeezable bottles LLDPE Linear Low Superior puncture/impact resistance Stretch wrap, agricultural films, covers UHMWPE Ultra-High Extreme abrasion resistance, low friction Medical implants, conveyor belts, bulletproof vests --- Limitations: - Low Heat Resistance: Softens at 80–120°C (varies by type). - UV Degradation: Requires additives (e.g., carbon black) for outdoor use. - Poor Adhesion: Surface treatments needed for printing/gluing. - Permeable to Gases: Not ideal for carbonated drinks (often uses PET instead). --- Applications: - Packaging: Bags, films, bottles, containers. - Construction: Pipes, geomembranes, insulation. - Consumer Goods: Toys, kitchenware, caps. - Industrial: Chemical tanks, cutting boards, bearings. PE’s balance of durability, processability, and recyclability ensures its dominance across industries, though selecting the
View More