Polyethylene (PE) is a semicrystalline thermoplastic that belongs to the group of polyolefins. It is produced by polymerisation of ethylene. The annual world production of this material comes to approximately 60 million tons. The PE molecular structure is influenced by the method of its production. The two basic types (according to the shape of molecules) include a linear PE, high density polyethylene (high density polyethylene, HDPE) and branched, low density polyethylene (low density polyethylene, LDPE). In addition to these types, we may often come across also linear low density polyethylene LLDPE or medium density polyethylene (MDPE).
Polyethylene is a solid substance, in thin layers flexible, elastic, practically non-transparent. It is waxy to the touch. It is characterized by high toughness and elongation. PE is a non-polar plastic, non-hygroscopic having excellent electrical insulating and dielectric properties. It is highly inflammable and considerably sensitive to UV radiation. Owing to its low-firmness properties, it is unsuitable for any constructional applications. Under standard conditions it is resistant to water, polar solvents, acids, alkali and salts.
Polyethylene is the most widely spread packing material. It is used for the production of insulation canning for cables, foils, bags, various containers and tanks, lids, canisters, crates, pipes and so on.
