PE Material Properties and Applications
Polyethylene, or PE, is the most used plastic in the world, producing more than 100 million tons annually. A commodity material, its high performance and cost effectiveness give it broad appeal across industries and markets. This nonhygroscopic, opaque, semi-crystalline material can be processed by all thermoplastic methods. Besides its overall value and easy processability, additional attributes include strong resistance to moisture, low friction and good overall fatigue/wear resistance.
PE contains three main classifications:
- Low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, is a very flexible material commonly used in plastic film applications such as grocery or trash bags. LDPE generally has low tensile strength but high ductility.
- Linear low-density polyethylene, or LLDPE, is similar to LDPE except that it is created through a less energy-intensive production process.
- High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, contains great strength, possesses a higher density and is an overall stiffer PE material. HDPE is commonly used in bottle packaging applications, crates, trays, bulk containers and is even in bulletproof vests.
- Great impact strength
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Good electrical insulator
- Moisture resistance
- High ductility
- Good recyclability
- Food packaging, wrap and coatings
- Shopping bags
- Bottles
- Containers
- Pipes and fittings
- Medical tubing
- Wire and cable
- Electrical and electronics
- Large-volume consumer goods
Your reliable PE resin distributor
As a business partner, no distribution company goes further to help customers find the right products, optimize their supply chain, or solve material and technical challenges. From the products we represent to the resources and support we provide, our team is invested in taking your business to the next level. At Nexeo Plastics, you can expect more.
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