Bonds that Shape Us™
Polyethylene – PE
Polyethylene (PE), a versatile thermoplastic, is ubiquitous in our daily lives. With its exceptional strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance, PE plays a crucial role in a wide range of applications. From packaging to construction, automotive parts to medical devices, its versatility has made it an indispensable material in the modern world.
PE’s low cost and ease of processing have contributed to its widespread adoption. Its non-toxic nature and ability to be recycled render it environmentally friendly, further enhancing its allure. As research and innovation continue, PE’s properties are constantly being refined, leading to breakthroughs in areas such as biodegradable polymers and next-generation packaging materials.
It is a remarkable material that has revolutionized countless industries. Its versatility, durability, and sustainability make it a cornerstone of modern society. As advancements in technology continue to unveil new possibilities for PE, its significance in our lives will only grow in the years to come.
PE is classified by its density, branching and presence of comonomer.
Low-density Polyethylene is soft, lightweight, tough, and flexible in its nature. Thermoplastic material is known for having low-temperature compatibility and good corrosion resistance. The polymer also boasts good chemical properties and impact resistance, making it easy to fabricate or process. It has a melting point of 110°C.
Benefits
High impact strength, good processability, good resistance properties
Applications
| Blown Film | General purpose, food packaging, Agriculture bags, shrink & stretch film |
| Injection Molding | Food containers,toys, consumer goods, industrial parts, medical parts |
| Pipes | Water pipes and hoses |
| Wires & Cables | Cable Jacketing and coatings |
Recycling Code
Linear low-density polyethylene is a thermoplastic widely used in the packaging industry. It can easily be formed into film-like materials that retain significant tensile strength. Its molecular chains contain relatively short branches when compared to other PE’s. Linear low-density polyethylene is a semi-crystalline polymer with many short branches on its main molecular chains. This means that these linear molecules do not become entangled as easily as LDPE and HDPE.
Benefits
High impact strength, puncture resistant, good flexibility, excellent barrier properties
Applications
| Blown Film | Food packaging, Shopping bags, Cling films, Shrink Wrap, agricultural films, liners, membranes |
| Injection Molding | Lids, caps, closures, toys |
| Pipes | Pipes, cables |
| Roto Molding | Tanks |
Recycling Code
HDPE is used in a wide variety of applications like flexible & rigid packaging, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, bleach bottles, cutting boards, and piping. Known for its outstanding tensile strength and large strength-to-density ratio, HDPE plastic has a high-impact resistance and melting point. HDPE is the perfect combination of strength, cost-efficiency, and environmental friendliness.
Benefits
Easily meltable & moldable, corrosion resistance, easily recycled
Applications
| Blow Molding | Small to large bottles, Jerry cans, drums |
| Blown Film | Shopping, grocery, garbage, and freezer bags |
| Injection Molding | Caps & closures, crates, pallets, housewares, and furniture |
| Pipes | Gas & water piping system, industrial piping system |
Recycling Code
Metallocene Polyethylene, also known as mPE, is a special type of thermoplastic made by using metallocene catalyst with copolymers. It exhibits properties like uniform co-monomer content, narrow molecular weight distribution, higher resistance to puncture & damage, high toughness, tensile strength and stiffness.
Benefits
Polyethylene produced using a metallocene can be used as a very thin film which has excellent optical properties and sealing performance, thus making it very effective for wrapping foods.
Applications
| Blown Film | HDSS, standup pouches, multilayer food packaging, stretch cling film |
MDPE is less dense than HDPE and has properties of higher stiffness, dart impact strength and tear strength. MDPE has good shock and drop resistance properties. It also is less notch sensitive than HDPE. The stress cracking resistance is better than that of HDPE.
In the United Kingdom, black (or blue) MDPE is often used for water and waste water plumbing, and may also be referred to as ‘black alkathene.’
Benefits
High resistance to heat, better stress cracking resistance & notch sensitivity
Applications
| Blown Film | Tubes, stand-up pouches, over-wrap film, milk pouches, lamination film |
| Extrusion | Pipes. Geomembrane |
| Roto Molding |