What Is PE Film?
PE film, made from polyethylene, is a type of crystalline thermoplastic resin widely used in various applications.
Developed around 1950 using the Ziegler-Natta catalyst, polyethylene quickly became a popular plastic material. It comes in several types, such as linear low-density (LLDPE), very low-density (VLDPE), low-density (LDPE), high-density (HDPE), and ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW-PE) polyethylene.
Known for its ease of processing and cost-effectiveness, polyethylene is used extensively where high heat resistance and mechanical strength are required, especially in its ultra-high molecular weight form.
Uses of PE Film
PE film is used in various sectors, including packaging for food and industrial products. LLDPE and LDPE are favored for their transparency in packaging materials. HDPE is used in construction materials like pipes, while UHMW-PE finds applications in medical equipment and bulletproof vests.
In Japan, which has a significant production capacity for polyethylene, PE film is also used for waterproofing in construction, wire coatings, and submarine cables.
Properties of PE Film
PE film is chemically resistant, insulating, oil-resistant, and waterproof. It is affordable and easy to process, but it is vulnerable to heat and fire. It is nearly non-absorbent, highly waterproof, and floats due to its low density. PE film also has high electrical insulation properties.
Types of PE Film
PE film is classified into LDPE and HDPE based on density. LDPE is softer with good transparency but lower mechanical strength, while HDPE is stronger and more heat-resistant but less transparent.
Other forms include VLDPE, LLDPE, and UHMW-PE, each with unique properties such as very low density or ultra-high molecular weight.
Structure of PE Film
Polyethylene is a simple polymer consisting of repeated methylene units. Its structure varies based on polymerization methods and molecular weight, affecting its mechanical properties and density. Innovations like the metallocene catalyst have allowed more precise control over polyethylene’s molecular weight.
How to Choose PE Film
When selecting PE film, consider its application. Options include stretch film for packaging and protective films for various surfaces. Specific choices should be based on the film’s intended industrial or packaging use, such as stretch hood film, adhesive film, heat shrink film, or films designed for packaging specific products like oils or toothpaste.