Polyethylene (PE)

poly(ethylene) (PE) is one of the most commonly used synthetic polymers for industrial and commercial products with millions of metric tons produced annually. PE belongs to polyolefin family of polymers and is classified by its density and branching. The most common types of polyethylene are:

• Branched Versions
  
  • Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
  • Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
• Linear Versions
  • High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
• Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX or XLPE)
• 
  In addition PE is also available in other types such as: (not discussed in detail in this guide)
• Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)
• Very-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE)
• High-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE)
• Ultra-low-molecular-weight polyethylene (ULMWPE)
• Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)

Some of the polyethylene suppliers include: Borealis, Celanese Corporation, Dow Chemicals, ExxonMobil Chemical, LyondellBasell, NOVA Chemicals, SABIC.