The question of how to manufacture polyethylene is one of the important questions that many people have recently asked. At this point, it is possible to say the following about the production of polyethylene.
The first element of polyethylene is ethylene (an organic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula 2H4; IUPAC name: ethene). For polyethylene production, typical properties include less than 5 parts per million of oxygen, water, and other alkenes. However, other compounds may be present as contaminants during the polymerization reaction. Some contaminants that are commonly accepted during the manufacture of polyethylene include nitrogen, methane and ethane. Since ethene is a relatively stable molecule, its polymerization requires suitable catalysts. It is important to note that the conversion of ethylene to polyethylene is highly exothermic in nature.
Polyethylene Types
Today, different types of polyethylene exhibit different mechanical properties. Some important types of polyethylene are listed below.
High modulus polyethylene, also known as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Ultra-low molecular weight polyethylene (or ULMWPE)
High-density cross-linked polyethylene (HDXLPE)
High density polyethylene (HDPE)
High molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE)
Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)
Medium density polyethylene (MDPE)
Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)
Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)
It may also be noted that low density polyethylene exhibits lower crystallinity than high density polyethylene. It is known that the crystallinity of polyethylene varies from 35% for low density polyethylene to 80% for high density polyethylene.
Usage Areas of Polyethylene
Polyethylene has various usage areas. The said usage areas are as follows.
The most important application of polyethylene is in packaging products. This plastic is often used for the manufacture of plastic bags, plastic films, bottles, geomembranes and containers.
Polyethylene is also used in crates, trays, jugs and other food packaging products that carry milk or juices.
High-density polyethylene is used in toys, garbage containers, ice trays and other household items. The versatility of this plastic makes it ideal for a wide range of applications.
HDPE is also used in ropes, fishing nets, agricultural nets and industrial fabrics. It is not uncommon for this plastic to be used in wires and cables as well.
Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in the manufacture of squeeze bottles, garbage bags, laminations and food packaging due to its high flexibility and low cost.
LDPE is also used in pipes and fittings. It is ideal for such applications due to its low water absorption and plasticity.
Polyethylene is also used for cable sheathing as it is a good electrical current insulator.
Polyethylene Manufacturing Price
It is not possible to give clear information about the prices of polyethylene production. Because the prices of these products vary. If you want to get detailed information about polyethylene production prices, you are at the right address.