Polyethylene – is one of the first synthetic polymers, known to mankind. For active operation of the decade, he managed to get a lot of “popular names” and even became generally associated with the term “plastic”.

History of the discovery: random luck
The polymerization of ethylene was theoretically predicted in 1873 by Russian chemist Alexander Butlerov. The first attempts to synthesize the material were made in Russia, in 1884 chemist H. Gustafson tried to polymerize ethylene in the presence of a catalyst – aluminum bromide. However, in these experiments was obtained unserviceable liquid material.
Then in 1898 a German chemist G. Pehman randomly synthesized polyethylene in the heating diazomethane. In this case, curiosity is that the scientist did not understand that I could synthesize a material that was ahead of time, at least 50 years and corresponded to modern analogues of low pressure polyethylene.
And only in 1933 the efforts of the British chemists Fossett and Gibson was obtained the polymer, which we know today as polyethylene.
The main features of polyethylene
Today, polyethylene is produced in different grades and variations, which can be viewed here. The main features are the following.
It should first be noted that polyethylene is clearly divided into two types of materials: a dense and durable high density polyethylene, and very soft and flexible low density polyethylene. This development marks polyethylenes of different pressure – these are two independent processes of evolution.

The main property of polyethylene – its chemical neutrality. It does not react with alkalis and many acids at room temperature. Also it does not react with solvents. It does not affect the properties of the working media, which comes into contact.

Polyethylene has a high elasticity and is perfect for a variety of production methods, including molding and extrusion.

The material has good toughness performance, making it an ideal choice for packaging materials and packaging.

These properties define the most common vectors of using polyethylene. In particular, low-density polyethylene is used for the production of a solid container, pipes, housings of various appliances and machines. High density polyethylene – the optimum material for the manufacture of films, electrical insulation, flexible packaging etc.