Overview
Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer derived from ethylene monomers through polymerization. It is classified into several types, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), each with distinct properties. PE is valued for its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability, making it a cornerstone material in industries ranging from packaging to construction. As one of the most widely used plastics globally, PE accounts for approximately one-third of the total plastic market. Its production volume exceeds 100 million tons annually, reflecting its indispensable role in modern manufacturing. The material's adaptability allows it to be processed through methods like injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Polyethylene exhibits a combination of physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for diverse applications. It is lightweight, with a density lower than water, and demonstrates excellent resistance to moisture, acids, alkalis, and most solvents. The material's flexibility and toughness can be adjusted by altering its molecular structure and crystallinity. Thermal properties vary by type: LDPE softens at around 80°C, while HDPE withstands temperatures up to 120°C. PE is an effective electrical insulator, making it useful for cable coatings. However, it is susceptible to UV degradation unless stabilized with additives. Its low friction coefficient and food-grade compatibility further expand its utility.
Main Applications
PE's applications span multiple industries due to its customizable properties. In packaging, it is used for films, bags, and containers, benefiting from its moisture barrier and sealability. HDPE is favored for rigid containers, pipes, and geomembranes, while LDPE dominates flexible packaging and squeeze bottles. The construction sector utilizes PE for water pipes, insulation, and vapor barriers. Consumer goods like toys, housewares, and agricultural films also rely heavily on PE. Medical applications include sterile packaging and prosthetic components. Recent innovations focus on bio-based PE and enhanced recyclability to address environmental concerns.
Safety and Storage
Polyethylene is generally considered safe for most applications, with low toxicity and minimal leaching risks. However, dust generated during processing may irritate respiratory systems, necessitating proper ventilation or PPE. Molten PE poses burn hazards and should be handled with care. Storage recommendations include keeping PE pellets in a dry, cool environment (<40°C) away from oxidizing agents. Bulk storage silos should be grounded to prevent static accumulation. Shelf life is typically indefinite if stored correctly, though UV-sensitive grades require opaque packaging. Disposal should follow local recycling guidelines to minimize environmental impact.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring PE raw materials, buyers should specify the required grade (e.g., HDPE 5000S), melt flow index (MFI), and any additives (UV stabilizers, anti-block agents). Key suppliers include multinational petrochemical companies and regional distributors. Pricing fluctuates with crude oil markets and demand cycles. Quality verification should include certificates like ISO 9001 and material datasheets. For large orders, consider negotiating bulk discounts or long-term contracts. Logistics planning is crucial, as PE is typically shipped in 25kg bags, big bags, or bulk railcars. Ethical sourcing and recycled content options are increasingly important considerations for sustainable procurement strategies.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：填充料、塑料袋、仪器箱、聚乙烯、料颗粒、吸收剂、塑料桶、塑料筐、灰色abs、碳纤维、爽滑剂、农机具、树脂瓦、无纺布、塑料颗、塑料盒、排水管、制作灯罩、注塑颗粒、抗静电剂、家具管材、塑料配件、电线电缆、环保颗粒、家用电源
- 主营：耐高温材料、LCP、PPA、尼龙原料、PC、PC/ABS、PPS、EVA、PP、POM、POE、PA6、PA66、TPU、PET、ABS、聚丙烯、PA12、PBT、PPO、PPE、合金料、LDPE、万华化学tpu、HDPE
- 主营：云天化pom、美国杜邦pom、日本宝理pom、聚乙烯、日本旭化成pom、德国巴斯夫tpu、科思创tpu、奇美abs、德国朗盛pa66、美国首诺pom、泰科纳pom、韩国可隆pom、韩国工程pom、韩国乐天pc、日本三菱pom、PPO、沙伯基础pc/abs、法国阿科玛pvdf、PPA、云天化POM m90、美国陶氏poe、埃克森美孚poe、云天化聚甲醛、pom云天化m90、LCP、PTFE
- 主营：PP、PA66、TPEE、塑料原料、PC
- 主营：pom、杜邦pom、宝理pom、赛钢聚甲醛原料、旭化成pom、巴斯夫、pom100p、聚甲醛共聚物、pom500p、pom900p、奇美abs、浙石化、中石化、pvdf、PCTG、PARA、沙伯基础、pmma、pps、日本东丽pa66、云天化、科思创TPU、陶氏POE、埃克森美孚POE、美国苏威
- 主营：pps加纤、pbt树脂、脱模pom、abs塑胶、聚乙烯pe、PC原料、LDPE原料、abs塑料、透明abs、聚丙烯、pps玻纤、阻燃abs、pp李长荣、工程塑料、耐水解psu
- 主营：工程塑料、美国杜邦、PBT、塑料原料、德国巴斯夫、德国朗盛、PA66、PC+ABS、PET、韩国LG、日本旭化成、PC、尼龙PA、POM、PPO、PPS、奇美abs、PA6、TPU、POM100p、POM500p、pom900p、pc1100、pc/abs、日本宝理pom
- 主营：塑料颗粒、PA6、POM、聚乙烯2404H4、PC/ABS、日本宝理pps、PBT、Pom100p、Pom500p、Pom900p、M90-44、F20-03、ABS747、abs757、美国杜邦、德国巴斯夫、日本宝理pom、ASA、PMMA、PEEK、PCTG、PPA、PPSU、PVDF、POE、乐天PC-1100
- 主营：PEI、POM、PA6、聚乙烯、PA66、PPS、LCP、工程塑料、PPO、POE、TPU、COC、EVA
- 主营：EVA、PP、PC、hdpe塑胶原料、PA6、PA66、POM聚甲醛、ABS、PPS、PE、PETG、PMMA、PBT
- 主营：聚烯烃、机械仪器、工业壳体、低密度聚乙烯2201H1、升级透明聚丙烯
- 主营：pa66、pom赛钢、PA6尼龙、TPU原料、瑞士EMS原料、杜邦pom、宝理pom、旭化成pom、巴斯夫pa66、科思创TPU、PC/ABS、聚丙烯pp、PA6T、日本宝理PPS、TPV、PBT、TPU1185A10、PC540、M90-44、F20-03、POM100P、杜邦pom500p、德瑞灵pom、埃克森美孚poe、聚碳酸酯PC
- 主营：POM、PA66、PC、hdpe塑胶原料、Pom100p、Pom500p、Pom900p、Pom100t、M90-44、F20-03、ABS747、abs757、TPU、美国杜邦pom、日本旭化成pom、日本宝理pom、ASA、COC、PEEK、PVDF、PCTG、PCTA、PA612、Pa6t、Pa9t
- 主营：POE、EVA、PA66、高密度聚乙烯塑胶原料、PE、ABS、PP、LDPE、HDPE、PC、PA6、POM、PEEK、PVDF、PBT
- 主营：聚乙烯、pc、pps、PTFE