What is Polyethylene Film?
As a part of the much larger category of plastic film, our polyethylene products are the most widely used resins for making plastic film. Usually defined as a flat piece of thermoplastic resin with the length considerably longer than the width with a thicknesses of 10 mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch) or less (averaging 0.7 mils to 1.5 mils), plastic film typically includes any flexible sheets of plastic including polyethylene film which has its own unique combination of properties. Derived from ethylene gas, it can be made using addition polymerization in low or high pressure processes which are typically defined according to their density. As an alternative to using metal, glass or some other material, polyethylene film has revolutionized the packaging industry. Available as a thin plastic sheet of varying thicknesses and properties, polyethylene film is used for everything from grocery and garbage bags to packaging wrap for large pallets of boxes. Resin Properties Some of the most important
Polyethylene film is a resinous material with thermoplastic properties that is synthesized by inducing oxidative polymerization of ethylene gas. The degree of pressure used in its manufacturing varies according to the density and melting point of the virgin polymer resin being used. Most commonly, sheets of polyethylene film are produced using a process known as blown film extrusion, in which the polymer resin is melted to its flow point and then extruded through a die to produce a tube of plastic. While the polyethylene is still supple, the tube is closed off at one end and then blown to inflate and stretch the film into the desired length and thickness. The thickness of polyethylene film can be as thin as .0004 inch (10.16 microns). The introduction of polyethylene film was considered groundbreaking in terms of its application in the packaging industry. Specifically, it has proven to be highly valuable in the flexible packaging market. In fact, polyethylene film has captured the majo
