Characteristics and Application of Polyethylene Fillers
A brief overview of the characteristics and application scenarios of polyethylene fillers.
Characteristics and Application of Polyethylene Fillers
Polyethylene (PE) is the second most commonly used plastic filler after polypropylene (PP). Its low-temperature performance is superior to PP, but its upper temperature resistance is slightly lower. PE has unique advantages in low-temperature conditions and certain corrosive media.
Basic Properties
Characteristics | Description |
Density | 0.94-0.96 g/cm³ (high-density PE), slightly higher than PP |
Service Temperature | Long-term ≤60℃, short-term ≤80℃ |
Low-temperature performance | Excellent, maintains toughness even at -40℃ |
Hardness | Lower than PP, softer texture |
Cost | Similar to PP, slightly lower |
PE has a lower upper temperature resistance limit than PP (60℃ vs 80℃), but its low-temperature toughness is far superior to PP, giving it an advantage in cold regions or low-temperature processes.
Corrosion Resistance
Acid Resistance: Resistant to dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and phosphoric acid.
Alkali Resistance: Resistant to strong alkalis such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.
Organic Solvent Resistance: Resistant to alcohols, esters, and ketones, but its resistance to hydrocarbon solvents is weaker than PP.
Not Resistant to: Concentrated nitric acid, concentrated sulfuric acid, strong oxidizing agents, aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene), and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
PE has poor resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons, which is a key difference between it and PP.
Performance Comparison with PP
Comparison Items | PE | PP |
Upper Temperature Resistance | 60℃ | 80℃ |
Low Temperature Toughness | Excellent | Average |
Hardness | Low (Soft) | Medium |
Aromatic Hydrocarbon Resistance | Poor | Good |
Typical Application Scenarios
Low-temperature hydrochloric acid absorption: In northern winters or freezing conditions, PE exhibits superior low-temperature toughness compared to PP.
Hydrofluoric acid treatment: PE is resistant to hydrofluoric acid and suitable for fluorine-containing media.
Alkali scrubbing towers: Resistant to strong alkali corrosion.
Cooling towers (low-temperature areas): Resistant to low-temperature impact and less prone to cracking.
Emergency gas absorption from dilute acid and alkali storage tanks.
Selection Recommendations
Operating Conditions | PE Selection |
Temperature <60℃, Cold Resistance Requirements | Preferred (Superior to PP) |
Contains Aromatics and Chlorinated Hydrocarbons | Not Applicable |
For Normal Temperature Conditions | PP is More Versatile |
Temperature >80℃ | Not Applicable |
Summary
The characteristics of polyethylene fillers can be summarized as follows: excellent low-temperature toughness, good cold resistance, low upper temperature limit, and poor resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons. In corrosive media such as hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and alkali solutions at temperatures below 60℃, especially in cold regions or low-temperature processes, PE is an ideal choice. For normal temperature conditions or media containing aromatic hydrocarbons, PP should be preferred.