Polyethylene - also known as PE for short - is one of the most widespread and popular plastics. Its uses and applications are extremely diverse, so it is not surprising that PE is used in almost every industrial sector. With well over 30 percent of the total worldwide, PE is the most widely used plastic and is particularly popular in the packaging industry. Its physiological harmlessness also allows it to be used in the food sector, for drinking water and in medical technology. Its properties certainly also contribute to this:
- good sliding properties
- high chemical resistance
- good, electrical insulation capacity
- high impact strength
- good corrosion resistance
- high vibration damping
This list is by no means exhaustive and only covers the most important properties of polyethylene. This plastic, which is so versatile, is made from ethylene gas, as the name suggests. Due to its versatility, the plastic can be processed and formed using almost all known methods, such as injection moulding, milling, compression moulding, casting and other possibilities.
Polyethylene is available in different variants, which differ in density, among other things. The most common variants are PE300, PE500 and PE1000.
PE300 (HD)
PE300 consists of weakly branched polymer chains and therefore has a relatively high density between 0.94 and 0.97 g/cm3 (HD = high density). Polyethylene, also known as PE-HD, is mainly produced by the so-called extrusion process - also known as high-pressure process - which is why it is sometimes also called extruded polyethylene300. PE300 has a high resistance to acids and alkalis, with extremely low moisture absorption. It is easy to weld and is suitable for processing by deep-drawing. Typical applications for PE300 are:
- Damping elements
- Ram protection strips
- Cutting pads
- Spacer
PE500 (HMW)
The high-molecular PE500 also has a high chemical resistance with extremely low moisture absorption, but at the same time it still scores with good sliding properties and particularly good damping characteristics. This makes it suitable, for example, for cutting boards and other applications in the food industry. Furthermore, this variant is frequently used in shop fitting, for impact protection strips and for electronic components.
PE1000 (UHMW)
The ultra-high molecular weight PE1000 is highly valued in mechanical engineering, among other things because of its special sliding properties. This is certainly also due to its remarkable wear resistance, which is important for example in the manufacture of chain rails, transport screws or conveyor elements. In addition, the plastic can be made particularly UV stable, antistatic or electrically conductive through additives. Here are the most important properties at a glance:
- very good wear resistance
- high chemical resistance
- high impact strength
- good corrosion resistance
- excellent gliding characteristics
- temperature resistant up to approx. 200 degrees Celsius
- very good electrical insulation properties
The areas of application are as varied as the properties, including the chemical industry, mechanical engineering, conveyor technology, the packaging industry, vehicle construction, medical technology and many other areas.
The Kunststoffhaus offers polyethylene in sheets as well as round bars in various dimensions. Here you can find all information about it: kunststoffhaus.de/pe-polyethylene-plates-sheets-rods