Polyethylene
Synonyms
Ethene, homopolymer;
Ethylene polymers;
PE;
Category
Polymer Surfactant
> Polyenes
>> Non-ionic Polyenes
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 9002-88-4
EINECS: N/A
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: N/A
Molecular Weight: N/A
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), solid; or liquid.
Solubility insoluble in water. Soluble in benzene.
Stability stable.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
mouse inhalation LC50 |
12000mg/m3/30M[1] |
|
mouse oral LDLo |
5000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD |
>3000mg/kg[1] |
Overall carcinogenic evaluation: Group 3 (IARC).
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent film-forming, dispersing, lubricating, adsorbing abilities. Thermoplastic resin. Biocompatible material. Branched or low-density polyethylene: tough, pliable; linear or high-density polyethylene: greater hardness and tensile strength.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Liquid / Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
30.0 / 95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Liquid / Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB/T 11115 Polyethylene (PE) resin
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as film-forming agent.
Use as non-metallic material. For example, used in film, wire and cable, pipes, packaging container, packaging film, etc.
Use as adhesive, hot-melt adhesive.
Use as thickening agent in non-aqueous system.
2, Personal care products
Film-forming agent, abrasive, viscosity controlling agent in personal care products.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 9002-88-4, Polyethylene
Update: 20140903(1); 20201009(2);