PE (Polyethylene) granules are notable for their light weight, high durability, flexibility and reasonable price, so they are widely used in many different areas of life. In the following article, TAELIM will provide detailed information about this type of plastic and its detailed applications in today's life.
Learn about what PE plastic is?
When you look closely at the symbols on everyday plastic products, you can easily see symbols such as PE, PVC, PET, etc. Among them, PE (Polyethylene) is considered one of the most popular and widely used plastics. According to statistics, the world consumes about 60 million tons of PE plastic each year, demonstrating the preference for this type of plastic.
According to Wikipedia's definition, PE granules, fully written as Polyethylene, belong to the thermoplastic group, have a clear white color, a smooth, glossy surface and a slightly opaque sheen. This plastic stands out thanks to its good heat resistance, with a melting temperature of up to 230°C, but can only be maintained for a short time.
PE plastic receives many positive reviews from users because of its superior features such as non-conductive, non-heat-conductive, waterproof and effective gas barrier. However, it should be noted that when PE plastic comes into contact with some strong detergents or essential oils, it may cause swelling or damage.
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Types of PE granules on the market
PE (Polyethylene) plastic can be classified based on many factors such as molecular weight, crystallinity, degree of crosslinking and density. Based on these criteria, PE plastic is divided into 8 common types: LDPE, MDPE, UHMWPE, HDXLPE, VLDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PEX, XLPE. Below are details of each type based on density from low to high for you to understand:
- VLDPE (Very Low-Density Polyethylene): Has an extremely low density, ranging from 0.880 to 0.915 g/cm³, providing superior flexibility and toughness, making VLDPE the most versatile plastic.
- PE – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Density ranges from 0.910 to 0.925 g/cm³, still low but higher than VLDPE. LDPE is known for its flexibility and ductility.
- LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene): With a density of 0.915 to 0.925 g/cm³, LLDPE is relatively close to LDPE but has a linear chain structure, increasing its strength.
- MDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene): Medium density, ranging from 0.926 to 0.940 g/cm³, used in many industrial applications, with higher strength than LDPE and LLDPE.
- PE granules – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): With a high density of 0.941 to 0.965 g/cm³, HDPE is produced under low pressure with a special catalyst system, creating a product with good durability and resistance.
- UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene): This plastic has a very high molecular weight, from 3.1 to 5.67 million, with a density of 0.930 to 0.935 g/cm³. The outstanding characteristics of UHMWPE are its hardness and high abrasion resistance, often used to produce ammunition box linings.
- PEX/XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene): This plastic is created by cross-linking with organic peroxides, commonly used in the production of plastic films, pipes, wires and cables.
- HDXLPE (High-Density Cross-Linked Polyethylene): This is the version with the highest density and crosslinking level, widely used in products such as plastic films, cables and pipes.
Applications of PE beads in life
Thanks to its outstanding advantages and high applicability, PE plastic has become a popular choice in many fields of production and daily life. Below are some practical applications of PE plastic granules for you to understand.
PE granules in printing industry
PE and PP plastics are two types of plastic commonly used in the printing industry, of which PE is often preferred due to its light, durable and waterproof properties. PE plastic is mainly used to print plastic decal labels, helping the product achieve good print quality and durability over time.
Applications in packaging
Due to its good strength and impact resistance, PE granules are used to produce a variety of packaging materials such as bottles, bottle caps, food trays, plastic bags, and cling film. The low density of PE, ranging from 0.880 – 0.965 g/cm³, helps reduce product weight and makes it easy to transport.
Pipe and fittings manufacturing
HDPE, a form of PE granules, is chemically resistant and waterproof, and is used in the production of air pipes, water pipes, and many other accessories. Meanwhile, LDPE has lower flexibility and is often used to make flexible pipes and plumbing products.
PE plastic in the electrical industry
With good electrical and thermal insulation properties, PE granules are widely used in the electrical industry, helping to insulate coaxial cables and act as cable sheaths. PE plastic is not only reasonably priced but also highly durable, suitable for electrical applications.
Manufacture of toys and household goods
HDPE, a type of PE granule, is commonly used to manufacture toys and household products due to its durability, light weight and affordable price. Common items made from PE plastic include ice boxes, buckets, rice bins, kitchen racks, trash cans, etc. Due to its flexibility and durability, PE plastic does not easily become brittle after a long time of use, helping to prolong the life of the product.
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Things to know when using PE beads
Each type of plastic has its own characteristics and properties, so choosing the right type of plastic plays an important role in the production process, helping to ensure the quality of the finished product and optimize the cost. To ensure health safety and product quality, it is necessary to pay attention to the type of plastic and its origin. You can easily identify the type of plastic used by checking the symbol on the packaging or on the bottom of the product.
Although PE beads are considered safe for health, during use, consumers need to pay attention to some important issues as follows:
- Odor absorption: PE plastic has good odor absorption, so you should avoid using PE plastic products in environments with strong scents to avoid affecting product quality.
- Do not use at excessively high temperatures: Although PE granules can withstand temperatures up to 230°C, PE plastic should not be used in microwaves or food processing at temperatures above 110°C, as this may cause adverse effects on the plastic structure.
- How to clean PE plastic: To keep PE plastic products clean and remove odors after use, you should use dishwashing liquid to clean the product and rinse with warm water, helping to completely remove impurities from the environment.
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TAELIM International Transport Company Limited
With the desire to support the development of the plastic industry by providing high quality plastic pellets and services. Taelim Plastic is one of the Vietnamese plastic companies with many years of experience, with a long history of development, specializing in the production, trading, import and export of recycled pellets. By applying advanced technology, meeting European standards with a strict process, we ensure to bring customers the best products and services.
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