Polyethene

 

 

The animation above shows polymerisation of ethene to form high density polyethene. The length of these polymers varies from 100 to 1,000 carbon atoms.

High density polyethene is formed from linear polymers. These polymers can move very close to each other where the forces of attraction, which are due solely to dispersion forces, have a significant effect. The plastic that results is stiff and resistant to cracking. The melting temperature of high density polyethene is higher than its relative, low density polyethene. Mixing bowls, toy casings, milk cartons, crates and detergent bottles are just a few of the hundreds of items made from high density polyethene.