Polyethylene - The Thermoplastics Workhouse

Polyethylene (PE)is the most commonly used thermoplastic for Food processing and conveyance equipment and is most diverse by application usage.

Polyethylene, ®(PE) is an organic polymer made by the polymerization of monomer subunits (C2H4) n. Essentially, it’s mixture of similar polymers of ethylene, with various values of n.

The values of (n) create a variety of formulations to suit many applications within Food and Conveyance Equipment. PE properties uniquely align to check all performance criteria required for dynamic and static components. Commonly specified grades are Low Density (LDPE), High Density (HDPE), and Ultra High (UHMW-PE)

Three key chemical characteristics that define PE formulations are molecular weight, the type of chemical chain, and the length of chemical chain. For example, LDPE is a branch chain with a molecular weight of 500K/Amu. HDPE is a linear chain with a molecular weight >2M/Amu, and UHMW-PE is a long linear chain ranging 3.5M – 7.5M/Amu.

Polyethylene (PE) grades delivering performance on a small budget. Providing excellent chemical and impact resistance, low coefficient of friction, lightweight, extreme abrasion resistance, weldable, and offers near-zero moisture absorption.

These properties are why Polyethylene is universally used for fabricated parts and components and specified for use within Food and Conveyance Industry.

Contact your nearest port plastics sales office for all food processing or conveyance related plastics!