polietylenu

Polyethylene, commonly abbreviated as PE, is a simple and widely used polymer composed of repeating ethylene (ethene) units. It is one of the most produced plastics in the world and exists in several densities and branching patterns, giving a range of mechanical and thermal properties. In Polish, the material is referred to as polietylen, with polietylenu as the genitive form.

Polyethylene is produced by addition polymerization, where ethylene monomers link to form long chains without the loss of small molecules. There are two major production routes: high-pressure polymerization used to make low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and low-pressure, catalyst-enabled processes (such as Ziegler–Natta or metallocene catalysts) used to make high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). MDPE and ultrahigh-molecular-weight varieties extend the range of properties. The resulting material is typically semi-crystalline, with properties ranging from flexible and translucent (LDPE) to rigid and strong (HDPE).

Common properties include chemical resistance, electrical insulation, good chemical stability, and a broad processing versatility. The density, branching, and molecular weight influence its melting point, stiffness, impact resistance, and barrier properties. PE is easily processed by extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and film casting, making it suitable for packaging films, bags, bottles, piping, and containers.

Environmental and recycling aspects are important considerations. PE is not biodegradable, but it can be mechanically recycled or chemically recycled into fuels or feedstocks. Recycling systems and energy recovery options aim to reduce waste and resource use, though the material persists in the environment if not properly managed.