Polyethylene:

Polyethylene is made by addition or radical polymerization of ethylene (olefin) monomers.

(Chemical formula of Ethene - C2H4).

Ziegler-Natta and Metallocene catalysts are used to carry out polymerization of polyethylene.

Ziegler-Natta
Polymerization
Or Metallocene
Structure of PE Monomer Structure of Polyethylene
Catalysis
C2H4

In addition, PE is also available in other types such as: (not discussed in detail in this guide)

● Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)

● Very-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE)
● High-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE)
● Ultra-low-molecular-weight polyethylene (ULMWPE)
● Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a cost-effective thermoplastic with linear structure and no
or low degree of branching. It is manufactured at low temperature (70-300°C) and pressure (10-
80 bar) & derived from either:

● Modifying natural gas (a methane, ethane, propane mix) or

● The catalytic cracking of crude oil into gasoline

HDPE is produced majorly using two techniques: Slurry Polymerization or Gas Phase
Polymerization.High density polyethylene is flexible, translucent/waxy, weather resistant, and
displays toughness at very low temperatures.

Properties of High Density Polyethylene

1. HDPE Melting point: 120-140°C

 2. Density of HDPE: 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3
3. High Density Polyethylene Chemical resistance:
○ Excellent resistance to most solvents
○ Very good resistance to alcohols, dilute acids and alkalis
○ Moderate resistance to oils and greases
4. Poor resistance to hydrocarbons (aliphatic, aromatic, halogenated)
5. Continuous temperature: -50°C to +60°C, relatively stiff material with useful
temperature capabilities
6. Higher tensile strength compared to other forms of polyethylene
7. Low cost polymer with good processability
8. Good low temperature resistance
9. Excellent electrical insulating properties
10. Very low water absorption
11. FDA compliant

Disadvantages of HDPE
● Susceptible to stress cracking
● Lower stiffness than polypropylene
● High mold shrinkage
● Poor UV- and low heat resistance
● High-frequency welding and joining impossible

However, weathering resistance of HDPE can be improved by the addition of carbon black or UV
absorbing additives. Carbon black also helps to reinforce the material.

1. Consumer Goods – Low cost and easy processability make HDPE a material of
choice in several household/ consumer goods like garbage containers,
housewares, ice boxes, toys etc.
2. Fibers and Textiles – Thanks to its high tensile strength, HDPE is widely used in
ropes, fishing and sport nets, nets for agricultural use, Industrial and decorative
fabrics, etc.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a semi-rigid and translucent polymer. Compared to

HDPE, it has a higher degree of short and long side-chain branching. It is produced at high
pressure (1000-3000 bar; 80-300°C) via a free radical polymerization process. The LDPE is
composed of 4,000-40,000 carbon atoms, with many short branches. Two basic processes used
for the production of low-density polyethylene: stirred autoclave or tubular routes. The tubular
reactor has been gaining preference over the autoclave route due to its higher ethylene
conversion rates.
Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene
 1. LDPE Melting point: 105 to 115°C
2. Density of LDPE: 0.910–0.940 g/cm3
3. Chemical resistance of LDPE:
○ Good resistance to alcohols, dilute alkalis and acids
○ Limited resistance to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oils,
oxidizing agents and halogenated hydrocarbons
4. Temperature resistance up to 80°C continuously and 95°C for shorter times.
5. Low cost polymer with good processability
6. High impact strength at low temperature, good weatherability
7. Excellent electrical insulating properties
8. Very low water absorption
9. FDA compliant
10. Transparent in thin film form

Disadvantages of LDPE
● Susceptible to stress cracking
● Low strength, stiffness and maximum service temperature. This limits its usage in
applications requiring extreme temperatures.
● High gas permeability, particularly carbon dioxide
● Poor UV resistance
● Highly flammable
● High-frequency welding and joining impossible

Applications of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) mainly revolves around manufacturing containers, dispensing

bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic bags for computer components, and various molded
laboratory equipment. The most popular application of low-density polyethylene is plastic bags.