Polyethylene (PE) is part of the polyolefins family. PE has generally good chemical resistance, is tough and has high elongation at break.
Like all polyolefins, PE absorbs virtually no water and is physiologically harmless as it is made purely of hydrocarbons. PE has a very wide area of application, ranging from packaging film for foodstuffs (PE-LD and LLD) right through to pipes and large liquid containers (PE-HD).
Like all polyolefins, PE absorbs virtually no water and is physiologically harmless as it is made purely of hydrocarbons. PE has a very wide area of application, ranging from packaging film for foodstuffs (PE-LD and LLD) right through to pipes and large liquid containers (PE-HD).
| Short designation | PE-HD | PE-LD |
| Description | Polyethylene (high density) | Polyethylene (low density) |
| Mechanical properties | ||
| Test specimen condition | Standard | Standard |
| Tensile strength [MPa] | No info | No info |
| Elastic modulus (tensile) [MPa] | 1350 | 200 |
| Ball indentation hardness [MPa] | 57 | 15 |
| Physical properties | ||
| Density [g/cm³] | 0.96 | 0.92 |
| Melting point [°C] | 135 | 110 |
| Application temperatures | ||
| Max. temp., short-term [°C] | 100 | 100 |
| Max. temp., continuous [°C] | 90 | 70 |
| Min. application temp. [°C] | -80 | -80 |
| Other characteristics | ||
| Flammability according to UL 94 | HB | HB |
| Water absorption (normal climate) [%] | <0.1 | <0.1 |
| Chemical resistance | ||
| Mineral grease and oils | + | + |
| Petrol | + | + |
| Weak/strong acids | +/+ | +/o |
| Weak/strong alkalis | +/+ | +/+ |
| Perchloroethylene | + | - |
| Trichloroethylene | o | - |
| Acetone | + | o |
| Alcohols | + | + |
| Hydrolysis resistance (hot water) | + | o |
| Weather/UV radiation | o | o |
+ resistant / o conditionally resistant / - not resistant
This information is for reference only; we do not assume any liability for its accuracy. The properties of thermoplastics are highly dependent on their specific composition and their additives.