PlasticsPolyethylene (PE)

Description:

Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic and belongs to the group of polyolefins.

History:

Polyethylene was developed in 1898 by the chemist Hans von Pechmann and was first produced industrially on March 27, 1933 under a pressure of approximately 1400 bar and 170°C. It was not until 1940 that an economically viable production process was developed.

Structure and properties:

Polyethylene is produced by polymerization of ethylene.

• Very easy to machine
• Low density
• High specific radiation absorption capacity against particle radiation
• High toughness and elongation at break
• Good gliding properties
• Very good electrical and dielectric behavior
• Very low water absorption
• Resistant to many polar solvents

Areas of application:

pump wheels, gears, sliding bushes, implants, gas and drinking water supply

Semi finished products and material properties:

• Plates
• Rods
• Tubes