Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in a variety of applications due to its excellent physical and chemical properties and its low cost. It is a polymer made from ethylene monomer units and is produced in several different forms, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). LDPE is a flexible and transparent plastic that is used in packaging, tubing, and various household items. HDPE is a stronger and more rigid plastic that is used in applications such as water pipes, fuel tanks, and plastic lumber. UHMWPE is a very strong and durable plastic that is used in applications such as body armor, bearings, and medical implants. Polyethylene can be produced through radical polymerization, but this route has only limited utility and typically requires high-pressure apparatus. Polyethylene is mainly produced via coordination polymerization using Ziegler-Natta or Phillips catalysts.
Polyethylene is used in many areas of our daily lives. In the form of pipes and cable or wire insulation, it is found in the walls and floors of our homes. It helps make our cars safer and is an important material in medical applications. We rely on polyethylene especially where increased durability and stability are required.
Silanes like DYNASYLAN® enhance the stability of cross-linked polyethylene, ensuring it remains dimensionally stable at higher temperatures and is particularly resistant to stress cracking. Even small amounts of silane provide excellent material properties for the final application. They also allow for the incorporation of a large amount of mineral fillers into the compound, which improves the strength and durability of the materials.