The Billion Dollar Polyethylene

Polymers have been one of the most widely used materials in the industry today. They have been in use because of their customizable properties and flexibility which allows them to be molded into any form or shape and engineered to withstand even the most demanding conditions. Polymers also have a longer lifetime and do not break apart easily when subjected to stress. When polymers are reinforced with multiple fine fibers of glass, they yield fiber-glass which has repeatedly been used for demanding applications in the marine industry.

Today, polymers are used in the manufacture of endless applications. The most widely used application of polymers is in the form of polyethylene or polythene, which people commonly refer to as plastic. Plastics have varied applications across different industries. They are used in the creation of commonly used plastic bags used for packaging and holding goods, and in the form of synthetic polymers to make Bakelite, Neoprene, Nylon and Xylethon. These applications use different forms of polyethylene which serve different purposes in the manufacture of different goods.

Polyethylenes can be classified according to their density. One of the most commonly used types of polyethylene is the Linear Low Density Polyethylene or LLDPE. Although Linear Low Density Polyethylene is very similar to Low Density Polyethylene, its linearity is what makes it different from the latter. This linearity is the result of a different manufacturing process which utilizes lower temperatures and pressures during the copolymerization of ethylene. This results in a more standardized molecular weight distribution, which renders it a linear structure thereby giving LLDPE more tensile strength and enhanced resistance to tear, hence making it a better alternative to Low Density Polyethylene.
In terms of appearance, LLDPE is an off-white solid mainly available in granular form and although it gives out a wax like odor when heated, it is not explosive and does not oxidize.

Linear Low Density Polyethylene is successfully replacing LDPE as a material of choice to work with. LLDPE is thinner and also offers better stress resistance, which is why LLDPE is used to produce plastic bags and sheets (where it offers lower thickness compared with LDPE), plastic wraps, stretch wraps, children’s toys, lids, all types of piping, containers, covering the cables and in flexible tubing. Having such a wide variety of applications has generated a worldwide revenue surpassing billions of dollars.

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Product Identification:
CAS No.                                                      : 25087-34-7
Synonyms                                                      : LLDPE, PE-LLD

Physical and Chemical Properties:
Appearance (at 200C)                                  :  Solid (Granular solid. Powder)
Colour                                                          :  Off –white
Odour                                                          :  Wax-like when heated, characteristic
pH (at 200C)                                               :  Not applicable
Freezing/ Melting Point (0C)                         :  125 – 145
Boiling Point                                                :  Decomposes >3000C
Flash Point                                                  :  >3450C
Flammability                                                :  Flammability Risk 1 (Slight)
Auto-ignition temperature                            :  >3300C
Explosive Properties                                    :  None
Oxidizing Properties                                    :  None
Vapour pressure (at 200C)                          :  Not available
Density (at 200C)                                       :  0.91 to 0.95 g/cm3
Bulk density (kg/m3)                                   :  480-560 (pellet), 300-320 (powder)
Solubility (at 200C)                                     :  Water Solubility - Insoluble in cold water
                                                                      Solubility in Fats – Insoluble
Viscosity (400C)                                        :  Not Applicable
Evaporation rate                                         :  Not Applicable
Other information                                        :  Rapid movement of particles or pellets through transfer lines                                                                          generates static electricity.
Stability                                                      :  Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions

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