Polyethylene: An Overview of PE Plastics

Polyethylene: An Overview of PE Plastics

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the world's most used plastics, but its simplicity can be misleading. This plastic family is incredibly multifaceted, with a large number of variants and grades. Let's clarify the concepts surrounding PE plastic!

The classification of PE plastics is mainly based on the material's density and whether it's made from virgin or recycled raw material. We'll focus here on the most common variants, especially those we offer.

Different Types of PE Plastic

• PE-LD (also called LDPE)
• PE-HD (also called PEHD or PE-300)
• PE-HMW (also called PE-500)
• PE-1000

To make a comparison: think of PE plastic as a car brand. The different variants can then be likened to different models within that brand. Each model has its specific properties and is suitable for different applications.

PE-LD (Low-Density Polyethylene)

PE-LD is often used in plastic films, bags, and food packaging. It's a thin and lightweight material. The boundary between PE-LD and PE-HD is approximately 0.925 g/cm³. Some materials may be perceived as PE-300, but are actually PE-LD.

PE-HD (High-Density Polyethylene)

PE-HD, also known as PE-300, is a useful material. It's a relatively soft and pliable material that is easy to process and weld. We usually offer it in natural white, black, and blue.

The material has good chemical resistance, low friction, and can withstand temperatures from -50°C to 80°C. Moisture absorption is minimal, below 0.01%, and the density is around 0.95 g/cm³.

Black PE-HD is often UV resistant and suitable for outdoor use, but not always food-grade. Natural white PE-HD is usually food-grade but not UV resistant. However, PE-300 is generally approved for contact with food and drinking water, regardless of color.

We stock PE-300 as sheet, round bar, hollow bar, and welding rod. The company provides sheets in sizes up to 4000x2000 mm.

PE-500 (High-Molecular Polyethylene)

The difference between PE-300 and PE-500 lies in the molecular density. Imagine polyethylene as a chain. PE-500 has more links in the same length than PE-300. This affects the material's properties.

PE-500 is often used in cutting boards.

PE-1000 (Ultra-High-Molecular Polyethylene)

PE-1000 has an even higher molecular density than PE-500. It's a hard and durable material. It's a best seller, thanks to its broad applicability and relatively good price. The material is also easy to customize with additives.

PE-1000 is popular in heavy industry because it performs well even with large temperature fluctuations and varying humidity. It can contain additives, such as lubricants, to improve its performance under extreme conditions. The material can withstand temperatures down to -150°C.

The material is known to have high internal stresses.

Have you considered which PE material is best suited for your project?