Polyethylene plastic production process

Abstract

Polyethylene has become the most important polyolefi n plastic with excellent mechanical properties, processingproperties and chemical resistance. It is used in the production of film, packaging and pipe. However, the nonpolarproperty and low rigidity of polyethylene limits its application in certain fi elds. The new progress of chemicalmodifi cation, physical modifi cation and modifi cation of polyethylene were reviewed. Chemical modifi cation includesgraft modification, copolymerization modification, crosslinking modification, chlorination, chlorosulfonationmodification and plasma modification. There are different methods of polyethylene production which include highpressure polyethylene, medium pressure polyethylene and low pressure polyethylene. All three methods have their ownbenefi ts and shortcomings which coexist in the industry.