Overview
Polyethylene is the most commonly produced plastic globally, accounting for about 34% of the total plastics market. It's synthesized through the polymerization of ethylene monomers and exists in several grades, primarily low-density (LDPE) and high-density (HDPE) variants. The material's popularity stems from its excellent processability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. First developed in 1933 by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), polyethylene's production accelerated during World War II for radar cable insulation. Today, advancements in catalyst technology (Ziegler-Natta, metallocene) enable precise control over polymer branching and molecular weight, yielding specialized grades for diverse applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Polyethylene exhibits outstanding chemical resistance, withstanding acids, alkalis, and most organic solvents at room temperature. Its crystalline structure (50–90% crystallinity in HDPE) determines mechanical properties—higher crystallinity increases tensile strength but reduces impact resistance. The material shows excellent dielectric properties, making it ideal for electrical insulation. Notably, polyethylene is susceptible to UV degradation unless stabilized with additives like carbon black or UV absorbers. Its thermal properties vary by type: LDPE softens at 80–100°C, while HDPE withstands up to 120°C. Oxygen permeability ranges from 500–7000 cm³/m²/day for 25μm films, influencing packaging applications.
Main Applications
In packaging, LDPE dominates flexible films for food and pharmaceutical wrapping due to its clarity and sealability. HDPE's rigidity makes it suitable for blow-molded bottles (e.g., milk jugs) and corrosion-resistant pipes for chemical transport. Linear low-density PE (LLDPE) enhances puncture resistance in stretch films and agricultural sheeting. Industrial uses include geomembranes for landfill liners, cable jacketing, and prosthetic implants (UHMWPE). Recent innovations include PE composites with nanomaterials for barrier packaging and recycled PE in construction materials. The material's FDA compliance enables food-contact applications, while medical-grade PE meets ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards.
Safety and Storage
Polyethylene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, but additives (e.g., plasticizers, flame retardants) may require evaluation. Processing hazards include fume inhalation during extrusion (ventilation required) and molten material burns (PPE recommended). Dust explosions are possible with fine powders (minimum ignition energy: ~30 mJ). Storage should prevent oxidative degradation—opaque bags or UV-blocking containers are preferred for long-term stockpiling. Bulk pellets are typically stored in silos with <30°C temperature control. For recycled PE, separate storage from virgin material prevents contamination. Shelf life is effectively indefinite if protected from heat and sunlight.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify: 1) Density (e.g., 0.941–0.965 g/cm³ for HDPE), 2) Melt flow index (MFI, indicates processability), and 3) Regulatory certifications (FDA, EU 10/2011). For cost optimization, consider post-industrial recycled (PIR) content (typically 10–30% cheaper than virgin). Key suppliers include Dow Chemical, LyondellBasell, and local compounders. Bulk purchases (20+ metric tons) often secure 5–15% discounts. Quality verification should include ASTM D1238 (MFI) and D792 (density) tests. For sustainable sourcing, look for ISCC PLUS or UL Ecologo certifications. Lead times vary from 2 weeks (standard grades) to 8 weeks (custom formulations).
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：[]
- 主营：[]
- 主营：路基板、保护垫、耐磨衬板、聚乙烯衬板、临时铺路板、临时垫道板、防滑路基垫板
- 主营：塑料板、聚乙烯模压机、聚乙烯模压设备、聚乙烯板模压机、冷热模压机
- 主营：填充料、仪器箱、料颗粒、塑料袋、塑料桶、塑料筐、聚乙烯、塑料颗、塑料盒、塑料配件、吸收剂、灰色abs、碳纤维、爽滑剂、农机具、树脂瓦、无纺布、排水管、制作灯罩、注塑颗粒、抗静电剂、家具管材、电线电缆、环保颗粒、家用电源
- 主营：聚乙烯路基板、Pp水箱、皮纹板
- 主营：pp板、pe板、pp管、聚乙烯、双股焊条、全新料焊条、双股三角圆焊条
- 主营：增强阻燃、透明耐寒、阻燃透明、聚乙烯、fr530bk507pet、阻燃v0透明、阻燃抗紫外线
- 主营：弹性体、塑胶原、购物袋、聚甲醛、聚乙烯、聚丙烯、聚酰胺12、塑料袋子、阻隔材料、塑料玩具、聚氯乙烯、光学材料、薄膜塑料、低压材料、瓶盖材料、聚碳酸酯、粘合剂、外壳线、薄膜包装、手提袋料、玻璃纤维、电线电缆、齿轮拉链、汽车配件、运动器材
- 主营：pps加纤、pbt树脂、abs塑胶、abs塑料、聚丙烯、聚乙烯pe、工程塑料、脱模pom、透明abs、pps玻纤、阻燃abs、pp李长荣、耐水解psu、PC原料、LDPE原料
- 主营：EVA、PP、PC、POM聚甲醛、PA6、PA66、ABS、PPS、PE、PETG、PMMA、PBT
- 主营：塑胶原料、EVA醋酸乙烯、PA尼龙6/66、PP聚丙烯、PE聚乙烯、PC聚碳酸酯、POM聚甲醛、PBT工程塑料、工程塑料、基础塑料、聚苯硫醚、ABS、电线电缆、电器外壳、电动工具、家用电器、电气外壳、外壳颗粒、汽车部件、熔喷料、家电部件、电子电器外壳
- 主营：聚乙烯、收缩膜、热封膜、包装袋
- 主营：LCP、PA66、PSU、超级耐磨塑料、TPEE、PEEK、PA12、PBT/ASA、PPSU、PPS、PC、PC/ABS、ABS、润滑脂、PTFE、特富龙
- 主营：HDPE板、UHMWPE板、pvc板、塑料加工件、pp板、尼龙异形件、链条导轨、HDPE铺路板、pp水箱、PP酸洗槽、HDPE异形件、PP异形件
- 主营：接缝条、填缝板、接缝板、塑料板、塑料条、塑料棒、泡沫条、泡沫棒、泡沫板、异型件、发泡棒、膨胀胶、嵌缝板、挡风条、珍珠棉、填缝胶、密封膏、圆柱管、密封胶、灌封膏、灌封胶、止浆条、止浆棒、修复剂、闭孔板
- 主营：玻璃矿物、POM塑胶原料、PA66塑胶原料、PA9T工程塑料、PBT工程塑料、PC塑料、PVA降解塑料、LCP塑胶原料、PA12塑胶原料、PA6塑胶原料、ABS塑胶原料、PC/ABS塑胶原料、PPO塑胶原料、PMMA亚克力、沙林料、TPU弹性体、TPEE塑胶原料
- 主营：pp阻燃母粒、pe开口母粒、防雾滴母料、塑料增亮剂、塑料防雾剂、塑料增光剂、塑料除味剂、塑料开口母料、塑料润滑光亮剂、塑料防锈母粒、聚丙烯降温母粒、防静电母粒、塑胶增光剂、增光增亮剂、pe薄膜阻燃剂、抗静电母粒、PP降温母粒、气相防锈母粒、增韧母料、防老化母料、爽滑开口母粒、橡胶增光剂、pe阻燃母粒、abs阻燃母粒