Polyethylene is a type of polymer that is classified as a thermoplastic, meaning that it can be melted to a liquid and remolded as it returns to a solid state. As the name implies, polyethylene is chemically synthesized from molecules that contain long chains of ethylene, a monomer that provides the ability to double bond with other carbon-based monomers to form polymers. Polyethylene is known by other, non-official names, such as polythene in the United Kingdom. In addition, it is sometimes spelled as polyethylyne, or abbreviated to simply PE.
The first laboratory creation of polyethylene occurred in 1898 by accident at the hands of Hans von Pechmann while applying heat to another compound the German chemist previously discovered — diazomethane. Ironically, the synthesis of polyethylene via extreme heat and pressure in an industrial setting was again made by accident, but 35 years later. A few years later, another chemist employed by the same England-based chemical company devised a method to consistently produce polyethylene under the same conditions. As a result, polyethylene became the primary source of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) production in 1939.
While polyethylene is essential to the economic health of the plastics industry, most consumers readily recognize the role it plays in everyday life. In fact, this substance is found in many ordinary household items, such as food wrap, shampoo bottles, milk containers, toys, and the common plastic bag used to tote groceries home from the store. However, polyethylene is also present in numerous other products that contain plastic components. For instance, it is used to manufacture artificial knee and hip replacement parts, bulletproof vests, and even glassy flooring for ice skating rinks.
Polyethylene may fall under one of several types. The distinction between them is determined by its molecular weight and branching, which is affected by its crystallization. LDPE is an example of branched polyethylene since its carbon molecules are attached to long chains of polyethylene instead of hydrogen. Otherwise, a linear structure of carbon to hydrogen occurs, which is known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). However, further variances in structure and molecular weight produce other forms, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), or very low-density polyethylene (VLDPE).
While polyethylene may help to make numerous useful and durable products possible, its environmental impact is cause for concern. For one thing, it does not readily biodegrade and can reside in a landfill for hundreds of years. However, diligent recycling may significantly reduce this problem. In addition, scientists are exploring the possibility of employing Sphingomonas, an aerobic bacteria shown to shorten biodegrading of some forms of polyethylene to just a few months. Environmental preservation efforts have also led to the development of bioplastics, with the aim of synthesizing polyethylene from ethanol obtained from sugarcane.
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