What is PE?
What is PE?
Polyethylene or polythene is a type of polyolefin. It is often abbreviated as PE. The chemical formula of PE is (C2H4)n. It is lightweight, durable, and one of the most commonly produced plastic. Used for frozen food bags, bottles, cereal liners, yogurt containers, etc.
Look around you, all plastics with recycling codes 2 and 4 are made of PE. These plastics come with different crystalline structures.
Molecular Structure of PE
How is PE made?
How is PE made?
Polyethylene is made from the polymerization of ethylene (or ethene) monomer. The PE chains are produced by addition or radical polymerization. The possible synthesis methods are:
- Ziegler-Natta Polymerization and
- Metallocene catalysis
What are the common types of PE?
What are the common types of PE?
Depending on its density and branching, different PE grades can have very different performance from one another.
PE grades are therefore classified as follows.
Additionally, other types of PE are also available such as:
- Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)
- Ultra low-density polyethylene (ULDPE)
- High-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE)
- Metallocene polyethylene (mPE)
- Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)
Browse the largest online catalogue to select your PE grades
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How to compare between the main PE types?
How to compare between the main PE types?
|
LDPE |
LLDPE |
HDPE |
Polymer Full Name |
Low Density Polyethylene |
Linear Low Density Polyethylene |
High Density Polyethylene |
Structure |
High degree of short chain branching + long chain branching |
High degree of short chain branching |
Linear (or Low degree of short chain branching) |
Catalyst and process |
Using radical polymerization using tubular method or autoclave method |
Using Ziegler-Natta catalyst or metallocene catalyst |
Ziegler-Natta catalyst in:
- Single-stage polymerization
- Multi-stage polymerization or a Cr or Phillips-type catalyst
|
Properties
|
See detailed property comparison: LDPE vs. LLDPE vs. HDPE |
Density
|
0.910-0.925 g/cm3 |
0.91-0.94 g/cm3 |
0.941-0.965 g/cm3 |
Crystallinity |
Low crystalline and high amorphous (less than 50-60% crystalline) |
Semi-crytalline, level between 35 to 60% |
High crystalline and low amorphous (>90% crystalline) |
Characteristics |
- Flexible and good transparency
- Good moisture barrier properties
- High impact strength at low temperature
- Excellent resistance to acids, bases and vegetable oils
|
As compared to LDPE, it has:
- higher tensile strength
- higher impact and puncture resistance
|
- Excellent chemical resistance
- High tensile strength
- Excellent moisture barrier properties
- Hard to semi-flexible
|
Recycling Code |
 |
 |
 |
General Applications |
Shrink wrap, films, squeezable bottles garbage bags, extrusion moldings, and laminates |
High performance bags, cushioning films, tire separator films, industrial liners, elastic films, ice bags, bags for supplemental packaging and garbage bags |
- Molecular weight distribution is relatively narrow, has applications in injection moldings or flat yarns, and the latter type
-
Molecular weight distribution is wide, is used to make film products, hollow plastic products and pipes
|
Commercial Products |
LDPE Grades |
LLDPE Grades |
HDPE Grades |
Now when the basic distinction is clear, find out in detail about these 3 types of PE and see which one matches the best with your final application needs.
What is high density polyethylene (HDPE)?
What is high density polyethylene (HDPE)?
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a cost-effective thermoplastic with a linear structure. It has no or low degree of branching. It is flexible, translucent/waxy, and weather resistant. The chemical structure of HDPE is:
HDPE Molecular Structure
HDPE is more rigid due to high crystallinity (> 90%). This also means it is less transparent than LDPE & LLDPE versions. HDPE also displays toughness at low temperatures.
How is HDPE manufactured?
HDPE is manufactured at low temperatures (70-300°C) and pressure (10-80 bar). It is derived from:
- Either modifying natural gas (a methane, ethane, propane mix)
- Or the catalytic cracking of crude oil into gasoline
Two major techniques to produce HDPE: Slurry Polymerization or Gas Phase Polymerization.
What are the properties of HDPE?
- HDPE Melting point: 120-140°C
- Density of HDPE: 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3
- Chemical resistance of HDPE:
- Excellent resistance to most solvents
- Very good resistance to alcohols, dilute acids and alkalis
- Moderate resistance to oils and greases
- Poor resistance to hydrocarbons (aliphatic, aromatic, halogenated)
- Continuous temperature: -50°C to +60°C, relatively stiff material with useful temperature capabilities
- Higher tensile strength compared to other forms of PE
- Low-cost polymer with good processability
- Good low-temperature resistance
- Excellent electrical insulating properties
- Very low water absorption
- FDA compliant
Some grades are designed for your specific requirements like environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR), high stiffness, low shrinkage, UV stabilized, etc.
Check out HDPE grades here »
TIP: In case you have specific requirements, try using the “key feature” facet to narrow down your search.
What are the disadvantages of HDPE?
However, some grades have been smartly upgraded and offer some improved performance profiles.
What are the applications of HDPE?
Excellent combination of properties makes HDPE an ideal material in diverse applications across industries. Some of the major uses of HDPE include:
- Packaging Applications – HDPE is used in several packaging applications including crates, trays, bottles for milk and fruit juices, caps for food packaging, jerry cans, drums, industrial bulk containers etc. In such applications HDPE provides the end product a reasonable impact strength.
- Consumer Goods – Low cost and easy processability make HDPE a material of choice in several household/consumer goods like garbage containers, housewares, ice boxes, toys etc.
- Fibers and Textiles – Thanks to its high tensile strength, HDPE is widely used for agricultural applications, such as in ropes, fishing and sport nets, nets as well as industrial and decorative fabrics.
Other applications of HDPE include
pipes and fittings (pipes for gas, water, sewage, drainage, sea outfalls, industrial application, cable protection, steel pipe coating, large inspection chambers and manholes for pipe sewage etc.) due to its excellent resistance to chemical and hydrolysis,
automotive – fuel tanks,
wiring & cables – sheeting of energy, telecommunication cables.
What is low density polyethylene (LDPE)?
What is low density polyethylene (LDPE)?
Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a semi-rigid polymer with low crystallinity (~50-60%). The LDPE is composed of 4,000-40,000 carbon atoms, with many short branches. Compared to HDPE, it has a higher degree of short and long side-chain branching. The chemical structure of LDPE is:
LDPE Structure
How is LDPE manufactured?
LDPE is produced at high pressure (1000-3000 bar) and temperature (80-300°C). It is derived via the free radical polymerization process.
Two basic processes to produce LDPE:
-
Stirred autoclave reactor
- Tubular reactor
The tubular reactor has been gaining preference over the autoclave route due to its higher ethylene conversion rates.
What are the properties of LDPE?
- LDPE Melting point: 105 to 115°C
- Density of LDPE: 0.910–0.940 g/cm3
- Chemical resistance of LDPE:
- Good resistance to alcohols, dilute alkalis and acids
- Limited resistance to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oils, oxidizing agents and halogenated hydrocarbons
- Temperature resistance up to 80°C continuously and 95°C for shorter times.
- Low cost polymer with good processability
- High impact strength at low temperature, good weatherability
- Excellent electrical insulating properties
- Very low water absorption
- FDA compliant
- Transparent in thin film form
What are the disadvantages of LDPE?
The presence of more branching in polymer chain brings certain drawbacks to LDPE performance. Such as:
- Susceptible to stress cracking
- Low strength, stiffness and maximum service temperature. This limits its usage in applications requiring extreme temperatures.
- High gas permeability, particularly carbon dioxide
- Poor UV resistance
- Highly flammable
- High-frequency welding and joining impossible
To overcome these challenges, several LDPE grades have been developed with improved properties such as UV stabilized, high strength, antiblocking, etc. Check out LDPE grades here »
Tip: Do not forget to use “Key Features” filter to explore other optimized grades of LDPE
What are the applications of LDPE?
LDPE uses majorly revolve around manufacturing containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic bags for computer components, and various molded laboratory equipments. The most popular application of LDPE is plastic bags.
LDPE Applications
- Packaging – Thanks to its low cost and good flexibility, LDPE is used in packaging industry for pharmaceutical and squeeze bottles, caps and closures, tamper evident, liners, trash bags, films for food packaging (frozen, dry goods, etc.), laminations etc.
- Pipes and Fittings – LDPE is used to manufacture water pipes and hoses for the pipes and fittings industry due to its plasticity and low water absorption.
Other applications include consumer goods – housewares, flexible toys, agricultural films, wiring & cables – sub-conductor insulators, cable jacketing.
What is linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)?
What is linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)?
The structure of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) has a linear backbone with short and uniform branches (unlike longer branches of LDPE). These short branches are able slide against each other upon elongation without becoming entangled like LPDE. It is structurally similar to LDPE.
How is LLDPE manufactured?
LLDPE is produced by the polymerization of ethylene (or ethane monomer) with:
- 1-butene, and
- smaller amounts of 1-hexene and 1-octene.
This process occurs using Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysts. In the present-day scenario, LLDPE has been quite successful in replacing LDPE thanks to the below-mentioned properties.
What are properties of LLDPE?
- Very flexible with high impact strength
- Translucent and natural milky color
- Excellent for mild and strong buffers, good chemical resistance
- Good water vapor and alcohol barrier properties
- Good stress crack and impact resistance
Some grades are designed for your specific requirements like good processability, antiblocking, antioxidant, etc. Check out LLDPE grades here »
TIP: In case you have specific requirements, try using the “key feature” facet to narrow down your search.
What are the applications of LLDPE?
LLDPE is suitable for a variety of film applications such as:
- general-purpose film,
- stretch film,
- garment packaging,
- agricultural film, etc.
While LLDPE can compete HDPE and LDPE in variety of applications, the below mentioned table can be useful to ease down your selection process among three PE types.
LLDPE Property |
vs. LDPE Properties
|
vs. HDPE Properties
|
Tensile Strength (MN/m2) |
Higher |
Lower |
Elongation (%) |
Higher |
Higher |
Impact strength (J/12.7mm) |
Better |
Similar |
Environmental stress cracking resistance |
Better |
Same |
Heat distortion temperature (°C) |
15°C higher |
Lower |
Stiffness (4.5MN/m2) |
Higher |
Lower |
Warpage |
Less |
Similar |
Processability |
- |
Easier |
Haze (%) |
Worse |
Better |
Gloss (45° %) |
Worse |
Better |
Clarity |
Worse |
Better |
Melt strength |
Lower |
Lower |
Softening point range (°C)
|
Narrower
|
Narrower
|
Permeability (ml cm-2 g-1 mil-1 cm) Hg-1 at 25°C X 10-8
|
Better
Better
|
Worse
Worse
|
|
Source: Mukherjee, A. K. et al., Popular Plastics: 15 October, 1985.
What is ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)?
What is ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)?
Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene has a molecular weight between 3.5 and 7.5 million amu. This is about 10 times higher than HDPE resins.
Both HDPE and UHMWPE have similar appearances. But UHMWPE is tough, abrasion-resistant, and low-cost plastic. Suitable for industrial or manufacturing applications where friction or wear may be a concern.
How is UHMWPE manufactured?
UHMWPE is synthesized using metallocene catalysts and ethane units. These units are bonded together resulting in UHMWPE structure. This structure has 100,000 to 250,000 monomer units per molecule.
What are the properties of UHMWPE?
- It has excellent mechanical properties such as high abrasion resistance, impact strength and low coefficient of friction.
- The material is almost totally inert, therefore it is used in the most corrosive or aggressive environments at moderate temperatures.
- Even at high temperatures, it is resistant to several solvents, except aromatic, halogenated hydrocarbons and strong oxidizing materials, such as nitric acid.
- These special properties allow the product to be used in several high-performance applications.
- UHMWPE is suitable for high wear applications such as tubes, liners, silos, containers and other equipment.
Some grades are designed for your specific requirements like wear-, chemical-, and impact resistance, etc. Check out UHMWPE grades here »
TIP: In case you have specific requirements, try using the “key feature” facet to narrow down your search.
Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX or XLPE)
Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX or XLPE)
High-density crosslinked PE is a form of polyethylene with a crosslinked structure. It is abbreviated as PEX or XLPE. It is specifically designed for critical applications.
How is crosslinked PE manufactured?
XLPE is produced from polyethylene under high pressure with organic peroxides. This creates free radicals which generate the crosslinking of the polymer. This results in a resin that is specifically designed for critical applications like:
- Chemical storage pipework systems,
- Hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems, and
- Insulation for high voltage electrical cables.
What are the properties of XLPE?
- High and low temperature
- Hydrolysis resistance
- High electrical and insulation properties
- High abrasion resistance
- Potable water approved
- High extrusion speed on standard lines
- Lower cost
- Mechanically tougher
Some grades are designed for your specific requirements like environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR), flame retarded, processability, creep resistance, etc. Check out XLPE grades here »
TIP: In case you have specific requirements, try using the “key feature” facet to narrow down your search.
What are the features of XLPE cables?
XLPE cables are by far the most popular and XLPE offer unlimited benefits in several electrical applications thanks to its moisture-resistance, stress resistance and higher protection against heat deformation vs other comparable power cables. Especially when comparing XLPE vs PVC cables, XLPE power cable has:
- Much longer service life
- Better heat resistance, XLPE power cable can typically stand up to 260°C
- Has better tensile strength and impact resistance
- Higher eligibility for higher rated current applications
Here is the list of all XLPE grades suited for wires and cables »
How to process PE plastic?
How to process PE plastic?
Various forms of Polyethylene can be used in processes like injection molding, blow molding, extrusion and various film creation processes such as calendaring or blown film extrusion.
- HDPE can be easily processed by injection molding, extrusion (tubes, blow and cast films, cables, etc.), blow molding and rotomolding. Being and ideal material for injection molding process, it is majorly used for batch and continuous production.
- The most common processing technique used for LDPE is extrusion (tubes, blow and cast films, cables...). LDPE can be processed by injection molding or rotomolding also.
- UHMWPE is processed variously by compression molding, ram extrusion, gel spinning, and sintering. It conventional methods such as injection, blow or extrusion molding, because this material does not flow even at temperatures above its melting point.
- PE (mainly HDPE) is gradually gaining popularity as a 3D Printing material. Its strength, low density, and non-toxicity make it ideal for a wide range of 3D printed objects. Additionally, recycled PE grades and bio-based PE are also used for processing by 3D Printing. The sheer availability of PE is encouraging efforts to apply this material for additive manufacturing.
HDPE |
LDPE |
Injection Molding |
- Melt temperature: 200-300°C
- Mold temperature: 10-80°C
- Drying is not necessary if stored properly
- High mold temperature will improve brilliance and appearance of the part
- Mold shrinkage lies between 1.5 and 3%, depending on processing conditions, rheology of the polymer and thickness of the final piece
|
- Melt temperature: 160-260°C
- Post mold shrinkage lies between 1.5 and 3.5%
- Material Injection Pressure: Up to 150 MPa
|
Extrusion |
- Melt temperature: 200-300°C
- Compression Ratio: 3:1
- Cylinder Temperatures: 180-205°C
- Pre-Drying: No, 3 hours at 105-110 C (221-230°F) for regrind
|
- Melt temperature: 180-240°C
- Higher melt temperatures are needed for extrusion-coating (280-310°C)
- A three zone screw with an L/D ratio of around 25 is recommended
- Melt temperature: 160-260°C
- Post mold shrinkage lies between 1.5 and 3.5%
|
Which type of PE is recyclable?
Which type of PE is recyclable?
Resin Identification Code for two main forms of PE are:
LDPE and HDPE are non-biodegradable in nature. They contribute significantly to the world’s plastic waste products. Both forms of PE are recyclable. They are used to produce bottles for non-food items, plastics for outdoor applications, compost bins, etc.
View several recycled PE grade options available today »
PE (HDPE and XLPE) is widely used for water-related applications.
- HDPE pipes are used for non-potable water applications. For potable water, HDPE can be used for both hot water and cold-water service applications.
- Cross-linked PE has become popular for potable water in recent years, but PEX requires special fittings and is not recyclable.
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Are PE resins toxic?
Are PE resins toxic?
In solid form, Polyethylene is considered as safe and non-toxic in nature. They could be toxic if inhaled and/or absorbed as a vapor or liquid (i.e., during manufacturing processes).