Commercial Polymer Identification Card-5

Polyethylene (PE) is globally considered the first among the most produced and consumed commercial polymers. It is possible to produce polyethylene in different structures depending on the branching density in the polymer chain; high density PE (HDPE), low density PE (LDPE) and Linear low density PE (LLDPE).

HDPE, this week's commercial polymer, has a more linear chain structure than other PE structures, and has low weight and high rigidity. With the advantage of these features, it can be possible to produce durable materials for many harsh (humidity, chemical, high temperature, etc.) conditions. Another important feature of HDPE plastic is that it can be easily recycled without the complex processes. Recycled HDPE is widely used in the market and pipe manufacturing and cable coating applications are major examples. Although its recycling is beneficial for sustainability, HDPE production dependents on limited raw material resources due to its petrochemically based nature. In order for HDPE to be truly sustainable, it is necessary to produce it from renewable raw material sources. In addition to the academic studies for sustainable HDPE in recent years, it is seen that commercialized products are accessed the plastic market.