Polyethylene
Polyethylene refers to a thermoplastic polymer. It has a variable crystalline structure. It is certainly the most widely popular plastic in the world. Plastic has certain unique and distinct properties.
Definition of Polyethylene
Polyethylene refers to a popular plastic material which experts call as thermoplastic. On the application of the heat is to a thermoplastic, it turns to liquid rather than burn. Furthermore, when it is cooled then it takes on the properties of a solid.
Polyethylene Products
The creation of polyethylene takes place by the addition of ethylene monomers. It can also be made by the radical polymerization of ethylene monomers.
Moreover, it is lightweight and durable in nature. The applications of this polymer are certainly wide which includes usages in films, tubes, plastic parts, laminates, etc.
Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene
Polyethene is a material of low strength, rigidity, and hardness. However, it has high ductility and impact strength. Furthermore, it has really low friction.
Most noteworthy shows strong creep under consistent and persistent force.
The reduction of this creep is possible with the addition of short fibres. Moreover, this polymer gives an individual a waxy feel on touching it.
Thermal Properties of Polyethylene
The commercial applicability of the polyethylene has its limitations due to its low melting point. Furthermore, the commercial medium and high-density polythene carry a melting point in the range of 120 to 180 °C.
The commercial low-density polyethylene has a melting point in the range of 105 to 115 °C. Most noteworthy, these temperatures can vary quite significantly with its type.
Chemical Properties of Polyethylene
It involves saturated, nonpolar, high molecular weight hydrocarbons. As a result of this, the behaviour of this polymer has a similarity with paraffin.
Moreover, individual macromolecules are linked covalently. It is certainly partially crystalline.
Higher crystallinity results in increasing density, chemical stability, and mechanical stability. Most MDPE, LDPE, and HDPE grades involve brilliant chemical resistance.
This essentially means that they can’t be attacked by strong acids or basis. Furthermore, they are resistant to gentle oxidants and reducing agents.
Crystalline samples certainly do not dissolve at room temperature. This polymer almost always can be dissolved in aromatic hydrocarbons at appropriate temperatures.
Furthermore, it can also be dissolved in various chlorinated solvents. These chlorinated solvents include trichloroethane or trichlorobenzene.
It probably absorbs no water. Its permeability of gas and water vapour is certainly lower than many plastics. Carbon dioxide, oxygen, and flavourings are able to pass it easily.
This polymer burns in a slow manner and with a blue flame. Furthermore, it gives off an odour of paraffin and burns with a yellow tip. Moreover, the material continues to burn on the removal of the flame.
Electrical Properties of Polyethylene
The polymer is certainly a good electrical insulator. It offers efficient electrical treeing resistance. Most noteworthy, it tends to become electrostatically charged quite easily.
Solved Question For You
Q1 Which of the following is a property of polyethylene?
A. It is very brittle in nature
B. It is a material of low strength
C. It involves saturated, nonpolar, high molecular weight hydrocarbons
D. It has high ductility and impact strength
A1 The correct answer is option A., which is “it is very brittle in nature”.
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