Polyethylene: From Accidental Discovery to Versatile Synthetic Polymer
Polyethylene, one of the crucial and extensively used polymers in modern societies, was accidentally produced by the German chemist Hans von Pechmann in 1898. This compound quickly transformed into one of the most important industrial polymer materials. In this article, we explore some questions about this topic.
Who discovered polyethylene, and how did it happen?
Polyethylene was accidentally produced by the German chemist Hans von Pechmann in 1898. He discovered this compound during research on diazomethane with great precision.
When and where was polyethylene first used?
Polyethylene was synthesized accidentally in 1933 in a chemical factory in Northwich, England. This initial industrial synthesis marked the beginning of its widespread use as a crucial polymer in various industrial applications.
Is polyethylene artificial?
Yes, most of the plastics used today are made from synthetic polymers produced through crude oil processing methods.
Why is polyethylene with LDPE composition more resilient?
Polyethylene with HDPE composition is denser and more robust than LDPE. This is due to the crystallization of HDPE and the densification of molecules, which increases its resistance compared to LDPE.
Why is polyethylene one of the most widely used polymer materials?
Polyethylene is widely used in various industries, including packaging, automotive, and medical, due to its characteristics such as lightweight, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and heat.
What advancements have been made in the field of polyethylene?
Continuous research in the field of polyethylene has led to the development of new generations of this polymer with improved characteristics. For example, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been produced with high resistance and specific applications.
Is polyethylene safe?
Polyethylene has been thoroughly examined by regulatory authorities and is recognized as a safe material through normal contact with the skin, respiratory exposure, and food consumption.
Which is stronger, plastic or polyethylene?
Chemical Resistance:
Although polyethylene has better resistance to abrasion, polypropylene is known for its high resistance to abrasive acids; this is one of the main differences between these two plastics.
Which company is the largest producer of HDPE in the world?
The largest producers in the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) market globally include:
- ExxonMobil.
- DuPont.
- LyondellBasell.
- Chevron Phillips.
- INEOS.
- Formosa Plastics.
- Westlake.
- Borealis Polymers (Total).
Is polyethylene breakable?
Non-breakable plastics are produced from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP).
What is the resistance of polyethylene?
Polyethylene is a highly resistant material that provides exceptional engineering properties in applications where resistance to abrasion, stability, impact, wear, UV resistance, and weather
resistance are desirable.
High Density Polyethylene