PE - Polyethylene

PE plastic, or polyethylene, is a widely used polymer known for its simple molecular structure and ease of recycling. Produced from ethylene monomers, it combines high strength with flexibility and reliable load-bearing performance.

Its naturally glossy surface gives it a clean, aesthetic appearance, while its heat resistance can reach up to 230 °C. PE also offers excellent insulating properties, as it does not conduct electricity, and provides strong resistance to water, moisture, and gas penetration.

With these advantages, PE has become one of the most commonly used plastics worldwide, with global consumption reaching around 60 million tons. It is extensively applied in consumer goods, industrial components, and plumbing systems.

Classification by Molecular Structure & Density

Including quick comparison of

(Low-Density Polyethylene)

Highly branched molecular chains, low density and crystallinity, offering excellent flexibility and transparency.

Density

Approx. 0.91–0.93 g/cm³

Molecular Structure

Branched chains, low crystallinity

Main Properties

Flexible, tough, good impact resistance, high transparency

Common Uses

Film, shopping bags, food wrap, extrusion coatings

Typical Applications:

1.Packaging films (flexible and stretch film) 2.Disposable bags and food-contact films

HDPE

(High-Density Polyethylene)

Straight-chain structure with high crystallinity, providing good rigidity and strong chemical resistance.

Density

Approx. 0.94–0.97 g/cm³

Molecular Structure

Few branches, high crystallinity

Main Properties

High strength, chemical & weather resistance

Common Uses

Containers, pipes, films, injection-molded parts

Typical Applications:

1.Bottles and chemical containers 2.Pipes, bins, and improved wear-resistant components

UHMWPE

(Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)

Extremely long polymer chains with very high molecular weight, offering exceptional wear resistance and impact strength.

Density

Approx. 0.93–0.97 g/cm³

Molecular Structure

Millions to tens of millions

Main Properties

Very high wear resistance, low friction, high impact strength, good corrosion resistance

Common Uses

Lining plates, sliding guides, impact protection, medical implants

Typical Applications:

1.Conveyor liners and sliding components 2.Protective equipment and high-wear parts

How to Choose the Right PE Type?

1.For films or soft items requiring flexibility and transparency →

2.For structural strength, chemical resistance, and weatherability →

HDPE

3.For extreme wear, low friction, and high impact demands →

UHWMPE

More Thermoplastic Shapes

Looking for Something Else?

Explore material possibilities for your engineering project by starting with the operating temperature of your application

60°C to 120°C

Engineering Plastics

Enhance component efficiency with lighter materials that deliver reliable performance and safety. Our range of Engineering Plastics—including UHMW-PE, PET, Nylon, acetal, and more—maintains consistent mechanical strength across a broad temperature window (about 60 °C to 120 °C ). These polymers also provide good machinability, dependable electrical properties, and strong chemical resistance for versatile application needs.

120°C to 230°C

Advanced Plastics

Maintain stable mechanical properties across a wide, high-temperature range. Our Advanced Engineering Plastics lineup—featuring premium grades of PEI, PSU, and PPS—is designed for applications operating between 120 °C and 230 °C . These materials offer enhanced dimensional stability, excellent creep resistance, strong electrical performance, and outstanding chemical resistance for demanding environments.

230°C to 425°C

Extreme Plastics

Our highest-performance machinable plastics—PEEK, PTFE, PI, and PAI —are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, delivering reliable performance even at temperatures up to 425 °C  and in the most demanding environments.