Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

IUPAC: Polyethene

CAS: 9002-88-4

Aperçu

Polyethylene is the most widely produced plastic in the world, with annual production exceeding 100 million tonnes. It comes in several varieties (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) with different densities and properties. It is used in packaging, bottles, pipes, and films.

Composition

Élément Symbole Atomes Masse atomique
Hydrogen H 4 1,0080
Carbon C 2 12,0110

Composition élémentaire

H
Hydrogen ×4
14,4%
C
Carbon ×2
85,6%

Usages

  • • Plastic bags and films (LDPE)
  • • Bottles and containers (HDPE)
  • • Pipes and fittings
  • • Packaging materials

Le saviez-vous

  • ✦ Accidentally discovered in 1933 by ICI researchers applying high pressure to ethylene
  • ✦ Takes 500-1000 years to decompose in landfills

Sécurité

  • ⚠ Generally non-toxic
  • ⚠ Environmental pollution from single-use plastics
  • ⚠ Microplastic contamination

Propriétés

Type
polymer
État
solid
Masse molaire
28,05 g/mol
Densité
0,9400 g/cm³
Point de fusion
115,0 °C
Solubilité
insoluble

Aussi connu sous le nom de

Polythene PE

Composés associés

Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

Sodium Polyacrylate

(C₃H₃NaO₂)ₙ

Polylactic Acid

(C₃H₄O₂)ₙ

Polymethyl Methacrylate

(C₅H₈O₂)ₙ

Polyurethane

(C₃H₂NO)ₙ

Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

Polyethylene Terephthalate

(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polyethylene?
Polyethylene ((C₂H₄)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Polyethene.
What is the molecular weight of Polyethylene?
Polyethylene has a molar mass of 28.054 g/mol.
What state is Polyethylene at room temperature?
Polyethylene is a solid at room temperature.
Is Polyethylene organic or inorganic?
Polyethylene is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Polyethylene?
Polyethylene ((C₂H₄)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C).