Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene is a versatile thermoplastic polymer that appears translucent to opaque with a waxy feel and natural milky white color. It can be processed to various transparency levels and colored to virtually any hue. Key features include outstanding chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, and most solvents, excellent electrical insulation properties, good moisture barrier, low coefficient of friction, easy processability, toughness, flexibility, and lightweight nature. Polyethylene is extensively used in packaging films, bags, and containers), toys, household items, pipes, geomembranes), and wire/cable insulation. 

Polyethylene is available in several major sub-types including Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), and Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE). Current trends include the development of bio-based polyethylene, recycled grades, enhanced barrier grades for food packaging, crosslinkable variants for improved temperature resistance, and specialty grades with improved printability and adhesion properties. Alternatives include polypropylene, PET, and biodegradable polymers.