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Overview of Polyethylene (PE)
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Overview of Polyethylene (PE) including background, history, advantages, limitations and typical applications.

Background: After its experimental preparation in the 1930s the application in high frequency radar cables during World War II gave impetus to its commercial production. Today Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used plastics with production in the billions of pounds each year.

 PE Generics
- HDPE
- LDPE
- LLDPE
- EVA
- PE, Unspecified
- MDPE
- HDPE, HMW
- XLPE
- LMDPE
- Etc...
 
 Typical PE Applications

- Film
- Packaging
- Bags
- Piping
- Containers
- Industrial Applications
- Packaging, Food
- Laminates
- Bottles

 
 Advantages of PE
- Processability, Good
- Food Contact Acceptable
- Antioxidant
- Copolymer
- ESCR, High (Stress Crack Resist.)
- Density, Low
- Impact Resistance, Good
- Density, High
- Toughness, Good
 
 Disadvantages of PE
- High thermal expansion
- Poor weathering resistance
- Subject to stress cracking
- Difficult to bond
- Flammable
- Poor temperature capability
- Low strength/stiffness
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