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Polyethylene:
It is a polymer consisting of
long chains of the monomer ethylene. It is also called PE
in short form. In the United Kingdom, the polymer is
called polythene.
Polyethylene is created through polymerization of monomer ethylene (ethene).
It can be produced through radical polymerization, anionic addition
polymerization, ion coordination polymerization or cationic addition
polymerization. Polyethylene are
classified by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) as
there general types::
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Low density: (0.910-0.925 gm
per cu cm)
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Intermediate density: (0.926 to
0.940 gm per cu cm)
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High density: (0.941 to 0.965
gm per cu cm)
The three types differ in
rigidity, heat resistance, and ability to sustain loads.
In common, they have the properties of toughness,
resistivity to solvents, alkalis, excellent dielectric
properties, good colourability, very low moisture
absorption and relatively low cost.
It is mainly used for consumer
products.
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