What are polyethylene and expanded polyethylene?

Technically, polyethylene is a polymer whose chain can have a variable length and number of branches. Polyethylene is one of the most common plastic in the whole world and it is used in many different industrial sectors (the construction one and the agricultural one, especially) because of its characteristics; in particular, people love the fact that polyethylene is quite cheap, and it has great stability.

Depending on its chemical formulation, we can identify three types of polyethylene:  high-density, medium-density, and low-density polyethylene. These terms refer to the strength of the intermolecular forces and the number of branches of the polymeric chain: the stronger is the force and the less are the branches, the higher is the density of the material.

Among these three types of polyethylene, the one that is most commonly used is the low-density type. Its peculiar characteristics are acquired through a chemical process called expansion; the result of this kind of manufacturing is a substance which is porous, light, malleable, spongy, and has good resistance to compression.

Plasticol, a company located in Samarate, is the right business to call if you’re looking for good quality polyethylene of any kind, but especially the low-density one. Thanks to our cutting-edge machinery and the professionalism of our employees, you can buy top quality polyethylene at very convenient prices.

Manufacturing process of expanded polyethylene

The best way to create a great quality expanded polyethylene is through horizontal extrusion. The process, even if very simple, requires some precaution concerning the pressure and temperature levels. If these values are not constantly monitored the final result can be compromised.

The manufacturing of low-density polyethylene extruded products starts with the introduction of the material into the barrel. The plastic has to go through several chambers with a different range of temperatures and pressure levels (from 100 to 230°C, and fro 80 to 150 bar). Once this process is completed, the polyethylene is injected with a gas that helps to create that typical foam look the material is characterized by. Lastly, the now expanded polyethylene has to pass through a mold that defines its shape and thickness.

Among the most requested goods made of low-density polyethylene, there are packaging components and insulation panels.

To learn more about Plasticol’s manufacturing process of low-density polyethylene goods, contact us, please.

Plasticol

Location: Via San Carlo 35
21017- Samarate (VA)
Phone number: (+39) 0331 234 212
FAX: (+39) 0331 235 108
Email: info@plasticol.it