Polymers & Resins Available — Bulk Only

Polyethylene (PE)

PE
CAS 9002-88-4

The world's most-produced plastic, converted into everything from packaging film to pressure pipe. Grades span low-density (LDPE/LLDPE) and high-density (HDPE) resins for films, blow-molded containers, pipe, and injection-molded goods.

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CAS Number
9002-88-4
Material Family
Polymers & Resins
At a Glance
Material Family
Polymers & Resins
Record Type
UVCB
Primary Role
Thickening / Rheology · Film Formation
Functional Roles
POLYETHYLENE
ABRASIVEFILM FORMINGVISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Applications & Use Cases
  • Packaging film: LDPE and LLDPE films for packaging and liners.
  • Containers: HDPE blow-molded bottles and containers.
  • Pipe: HDPE pressure and gravity pipe.
  • Wire and cable: Insulation and jacketing.
  • Molded goods: Injection-molded housewares and closures.
Physical Properties
appearance
Typical: white to translucent solid pellets, powder, or wax flake
repeat_unit
(C2H4)n
density
Typical: 0.91-0.97 g/cm3 (grade dependent: LDPE ~0.91-0.93, HDPE ~0.94-0.97)
melting_point
Typical: 105-135 C (grade dependent)
water_solubility
Insoluble in water
physical_state
Solid at room temperature
odor
Typical: odorless to faint paraffinic
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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Chemical Identity
CAS Number
9002-88-4
INCI Name
POLYETHYLENE
Synonyms & Trade Names
Poly(ethylene) Polythene Ethylene homopolymer Poly(methylene) Polyethylene wax Ethene homopolymer PE resin
Full Description

Polyethylene (PE, CAS 9002-88-4) is a thermoplastic polymer of ethylene supplied in primary forms such as pellets and powder. Grades span low-density (LDPE/LLDPE) and high-density (HDPE) resins for films, blow-molded containers, pipe, and injection-molded goods. It is among the highest-volume commodity plastics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is polyethylene used for?

Polyethylene (PE, CAS 9002-88-4) is a high-volume thermoplastic used for packaging film (LDPE/LLDPE), blow-molded HDPE bottles and containers, pressure and gravity pipe, wire and cable insulation, and injection-molded goods. Grade selection (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE) is driven by the end application.

What is the difference between polyethylene and polypropylene?

Both are polyolefin thermoplastics but differ in monomer and properties: PE (ethylene) offers toughness and chemical resistance for films, pipe, and containers, while polypropylene (propylene) has a higher melting point and stiffness. Specify the resin and grade for your process.

What forms and grades is polyethylene supplied in?

PE is supplied in primary forms such as pellets and powder, spanning low-density (LDPE/LLDPE) and high-density (HDPE) resin grades. Confirm density class, melt index, and form when requesting a quote.

What is the chemical formula of polyethylene?

Polyethylene is a polymer of ethylene with the repeating unit (C2H4)n; CAS 9002-88-4. Specific molecular weight and density are set by the resin grade.

What is the cost of bulk polyethylene resin?

Resin pricing tracks density class, grade, and order volume. Request a current quote from RawSource specifying LDPE/LLDPE/HDPE, melt index, and form (pellet or powder); a CoA and SDS accompany each shipment.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.