Description
Types of Polyethylene
The process of polymerization of ethylene results in long linear chains of hydrocarbons branching in various directions. The degree of this branching decides the type of polyethylene. Using various types of polyethylene has several advantages, such as they have very high melting and freezing points. Here are the different types of polyethylene used for a range of products from polythene bags to pipes and fixtures:
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): This is generated from free radical polymerization which leads to long and short branching of chains. This makes this type of polyethylene highly ductile but its tensile strength and durability are low. This commonly finds applications in plastic film wraps, grocery polythene bags, and slightly right plastic bowls and bottles among others.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE): This has minimal number of branches of chains resulting from polymerization. This leads to densely packed and bonded molecules making this type of polyethylene rigid, robust, and durable. This is used in making pipes, cans, toys, tubing, fixtures, and so on. So, this has more of an industrial usage.
