Polyethylene (High viscosity PE) is one of the most common plastic materials in the world. World production of polyethylene (PE) holds 35% of the total output of plastic. It is a white solid polymer starting material for the preparation of which is ethylene. Depending on the production method distinguish LDPE (or low density LDPE) and high density polyethylene (high density or HDPE). They differ in molecular structure, chemical properties and the degree of crystallinity (or transparency).
Polyethylene (metallocene polyethylene) is not wetted by water, at room temperature is not soluble in organic solvents and resistant to aqueous solutions of salts, acids and alkalis. Polyethylene is resistant to shock loads. Among the most important properties of the polyethylene can be noted frost. They can operate at temperatures ranging from -70 ° C to 60 ° C (LDPE) and up to 100 ° C (HDPE).
Its structure and properties (despite the fact that use the same monomer), LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE are different, and therefore used for different tasks. LDPE is a soft material, HDPE and LLDPE have a rigid structure.
Also, differences occur in the density, melting point, hardness, and strength.