Polyethylene is a petroleum-based synthetic fiber widely used to make fabrics and materials in various industries, including fashion, similar to other plastic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and polypropylene.
Polyethylene fiber is a common ingredient found in ropes, carpeting, upholstery, bags, packaging, apparel, textiles, wallpapers, draperies, curtains, and cosmetics.
The main advantage of synthetic polyethylene fiber compared to natural fibers is its very low cost. It is used to create cheaper products as it saves a lot of money on raw materials.
But synthetic fabrics made of polyethylene fiber aren't environmentally friendly or healthy. Their manufacturing has both health and environmental impacts.
Here is all you need to know about polyethylene fabrics and how it fares against other types of materials.
What is polyethylene fabric?
Polyethylene fabric is a thermoplastic polymer made of different crystalline structures from petroleum-based plastics. It is the most widely used plastic today.
Polyethylene is an olefin fiber, a synthetic fiber made from a polyolefin, similar to polypropylene.
There are many kinds of polyethylene and each application uses different polyethylene fabrics, low density or high density.
Polyethylene is commonly found in the textile and apparel industry. It makes fleece, circular knits, coats, sweaters, sportswear, boots, hats, and socks.
Polyethylene fiber is also used in household textiles, furniture, and industrial materials. Although it can be used alone, polyethylene fiber is usually blended with other natural or synthetic fibers.
Various types of polyethylene fiber
polyethylene fabric types applications
The various types of polyethylene fiber include VLDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE, XLPE, and UHMWPE.
Very-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE) has a density range of 0.880-0.915 g/cm3. It is a linear polymer with short-chain branches. It is used packaging, stretch wraps, and plastic film applications.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has a density range of 0.910-0.940 g/cm3. It is created by free-radical polymerization with a high degree of short- and long-chain branching. It is used in both rigid containers and plastic bags.
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) has a density range of 0.915-0.925 g/cm3. It is a linear polymer with short-chain branches but a higher tensile strength than LDPE. It is used in packaging, films, bags, and sheets.
Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) has a density range of 0.926-0.940 g/cm3. It has a good impact and cracking resistance. It is typically used in packaging, films, bags, and pipes.
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX or XLPE) has a medium- to high-density. Its polymer structure contains cross-link bonds changing the thermoplastic into a thermoset for better high-temperature properties.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) has a density of 0.941 g/cm3 or more. It is a linear polymer with a low degree of branching and high tensile strength. It is used in packaging, bottles, tubes, containers, and pipes.
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) usually has a molecular weight between 3.5 and 7.5 million Atomic Mass Units that makes it a very tough material. It can replace aramid in bulletproof vests and other high-performance equipment, including machine parts, bearings, gears, cables, and joints.