PE (Polyethylene) Plastic: Key Features & Characteristics
Jul 09, 2025
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).
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Variants & Their Unique Traits:
Type Density Key Properties Common Uses
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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
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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).
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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
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