What is PE Plastic Granule?

PE plastic granule, fully named Polyethylene, is a type of thermoplastic resin with a variable crystalline structure. Typically, PE granules are translucent white. The notable characteristics of PE plastic granules include heat insulation, electrical insulation, water resistance, and a heat tolerance of up to 230°C, although they can only withstand high temperatures for a short period.

What are the types of PE Plastic Granules?

Currently, PE plastic granules are classified into 8 types based on factors such as density, branching degree, molecular weight, and crystallinity.

LDPE Plastic Granules

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) plastic granules are considered relatively safe due to their low density. They are commonly used to manufacture pipes, various packaging materials, and most popularly, plastic bags.

• Density: 0.910 – 0.925 g/cm³

• Glass transition temperature: Tg ≈ -110 °C

MDPE Plastic Granules

MDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene) granules have a medium density of 0.926 – 0.940 g/cm³ and are often used to produce gas pipes, sacks, packaging, and transport bags.

UHMWPE Plastic Granules

UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) granules are extremely hard with the highest molecular weight among polyethylene types (3.1 – 5.67 million) and a density of 0.930 – 0.935 g/cm³. They are commonly used as lining for ammunition containers and as fibers.

HDXLPE Plastic Granules

HDXLPE granules are mainly used to produce pipes, plastic films, cables, and wires. This type of granule has a high degree of branching and high density.

VLDPE Plastic Granules

VLDPE (Very Low-Density Polyethylene) is mostly a linear polymer with very short branches. This granule type is highly rated for its flexibility and toughness. Its density is very low, about 0.880 – 0.915 g/cm³. Under high pressure, VLDPE is produced via radical polymerization. It is often used for shrink films, stretch films, protective gloves, and packaging.

LLDPE Plastic Granules

LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) granules have a low density of 0.915 – 0.925 g/cm³ and a glass transition temperature of approximately Tg ≈ 110 °C. This linear polymer is commonly used to produce plastic wraps, bags, caps, pipes, and containers.

HDPE Plastic Granules

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a type of PE granule with high density (0.941 – 0.965 g/cm³) and is often used to produce packaging, plastic bags, and plastic household items.

PEX or XLPE Cross-Linked Plastic Granules

PEX/XLPE is made by adding organic peroxides during production. It is widely used to manufacture pipes, wires, cables, and plastic films.

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Are PE Plastic Granules Harmful?

PE granules are present in many everyday products. So, are they harmful? Let’s consider their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of PE Plastic Granules

• Excellent water and moisture resistance.

• High resistance to gas penetration such as N₂, CO₂, and O₂.

• High surface gloss and more flexibility than many other plastics.

• High heat resistance (up to 230°C) for short periods.

Disadvantages of PE Plastic Granules

• Easily damaged or swollen when exposed to essential oils or solvents like alcohol, H₂O₂, acetone, etc.

• Poor resistance to oils and greases.

• Permeable to odors and gases, which can cause packaging to retain smells and reduce product sensory quality.

Despite some drawbacks, PE granules are non-toxic and generally safe for health when used.

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Applications of PE Plastic Granules in Daily Life

Being safe and highly versatile, PE granules are widely applied across various industries:

• Lightweight and water-resistant, PE is commonly used in the printing industry.

• High durability and impact resistance make PE suitable for bottles, caps, films, bags, and trays.

• HDPE is used to produce fittings and pipes such as water and gas pipes due to its high resistance to hydrolysis and chemicals. LDPE, being more flexible, is often used for soft pipes and water tubes.

• In the electrical industry, PE granules are used for insulating wires due to their excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties.

• In healthcare, PE granules are used to make artificial joints because of their toughness, chemical resistance, and wear resistance.

• Finally, PE granules are widely used for household items like spice containers, rice bins, trash bins, ice boxes, etc., thanks to their lightweight and high durability.