PE

(Polyethylene)

Polyethylene is a widely used, inexpensive, thermoplastic. It has good inherent lubricity, and is easy to process.

Polyethylene has good to excellent chemical resistance. It is also soft and cannot be used in temperatures much above 150.

Based on density, there are 2 types of PE: LDPE and HDPE.

Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance	Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength
130°-150° F	Good to Excellent	1,900-4,500 psi	40,000-105,000 psi	2-No break ft-lb/in notched izod

Pros

Low Cost

Impact resistance from -40° to 194° F

Moisture resistance

Food grades available

Cons

Poor weather resistance

High thermal expansion

Subject to stress cracking

Difficult to bond

Flammable

Poor temperature capability

Alathon

Dow

Marlex

Consumer products

Houseware items

Electronic wire/cable insulators

Medical devices