POLYETHYLENE

Monomers to Polymers

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Created from the ethylene monomer.

A thermoplastic (can be melted down and
re-used)

over 60M tons are produced worldwide every year

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Polyethylene is created through

polymerization of ethylene (C2H4).

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There are many different forms of

polyethylene.

CHAINS:

POLYETHYLENE

BRANCHED:

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CROSS-LINKED:

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Polyethylene is classified into several
different categories based mostly on its
weight and branching
These both determine its properties.

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UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight PE)
HDPE (high density PE)
HDXLPE (high density cross-linked PE)
PEX (cross-linked PE)
MDPE (medium density PE)
LDPE (low density PE)
LLDPE (linear low density PE)
VLDPE (very low density PE)

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UHMWPE: ultra high molecular weight

polyethylene
Extremely long chains

Linear
Very packed
Tough material

Highest impact strength

bulletproof vests
orthopedic implants (artificial hips, knees)
ice-less skating rinks

HDPE (high density polyethylene)

Linear - (stronger)
More tensile strength (doesnt deform easily)
Lower ductility (breaks easily)
More expensive to make
USES:
Sandwich bags
Laundry detergent bottles
Grocery bags

LDPE (low density polyethylene)

Branching (weaker)
Lower tensile strength (deforms easily)
Higher ductility (doesnt break easily)
Molecules are less tightly packed
Cheapest/easiest to make

USES:

wash bottles
Saran wrap
most common = dry-cleaning bags