Polyethylene: the most commonly used polymer in the world

Polyethylene, also known by the abbreviation PE, is a thermoplastic that can be shaped when exposed to higher temperatures. One of the most widespread plastics in both everyday and industrial use, it is made by polymerising ethene.

What products are made from polyethylene?

Polyethylene is known for its good processability, which makes it possible to produce a wide range of plastic products and semi-finished products. It can also be cut and milled to specific requirements. Bending and forming polyethylene, on the other hand, is done with a mould that guarantees a precise result. Gluing individual components is fairly complicated, so welding is usually preferred, as it gives strong, leak-proof joints between the parts.

The most common polyethylene products:

• PE round rods,
• PE sheets and pipes,
• PE welding rods.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of polyethylene?

What is behind the massive use of polyethylene products across so many industries? Clearly its advantages, and the list is a long one.

Advantages of polyethylene

• good weldability and easy machining
• excellent processability
• safe for health
• resistance to acids and alkalis
• frost resistance and no water absorption
• very good electrical and dielectric properties
• long service life
• low price

Disadvantages of polyethylene

• instability at high temperatures (above 80 degrees)

Where is polyethylene used most often?

Leaving aside its frequent use in the food industry and the chemical industry, its use in construction is even more important, especially in all kinds of pipes and piping systems, because polyethylene resists the formation and spread of cracks.

The main products made from polyethylene are first of all plastic pipes, which are used to distribute water, gas and other media, mainly thanks to their resistance to harsh weather. Plastic pipes and other polyethylene components are also an integral part of many technical applications. Other sought-after solutions are tanks, sumps, reservoirs and containers of all kinds.

Wondering how polyethylene could be used in your field? Contact Tribon, which offers a wide range of polyethylene products and engineering plastics, and can also machine a plastic part from your drawings to the specific requirements of your application.