Product
Polyethylene
Map of Polyethylene Sub-Products producing locations in ppPLUS

Product Categories, Description and Properties

Segment
Chemicals
Main-Family
Polymers
Sub-Family
Polyolefins
Description

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used and versatile synthetic polymers, derived from the polymerization of ethylene monomers. It is a thermoplastic material with a simple molecular structure, consisting of long chains of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. The properties and applications of polyethylene vary significantly depending on its type, which includes Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), and Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE).

Key Properties:

  • Density: Ranges from 0.91 to 0.97 g/cm³, depending on the type. LDPE has the lowest density, while HDPE has the highest.
  • Melting Point: Typically between 105°C and 140°C, varying by type.
  • Chemical Resistance: Highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and most solvents, making it durable in harsh environments.
  • Water Resistance: Excellent resistance to water and moisture vapor transmission.
  • Flexibility and Ductility: Polyethylene is highly flexible and ductile, allowing it to be easily molded into various shapes.
  • Electrical Insulation: Exhibits excellent insulating properties, ideal for cables and wires.
  • UV Resistance: Some grades are UV-stabilized for outdoor applications.
Link
Building Block / Value Chain - Info

Value Chain-I
Ethylene
Properties

Status
A
Unit of Measure
Metric Ton
Physical State

Solid

System Info

Update by
UserPic  Kokel, Nicolas
Last Update
2/9/2025 5:22 PM
Added
2/15/2021 12:02 PM