Organic Chemistry

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English Further reading

polyethylene

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

polyethylene , widely used plastic . It is a polymer of ethylene , CH ₂ [symbol]CH ₂ , having the formula (-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -) _n , and is produced at high pressures and temperatures in the presence of any one of several catalysts , depending on the desired properties for the finished product. Polyethylene is resistant to water, acids, alkalies, and most solvents. Its many applications include films or sheets for packaging, shower curtains, unbreakable bottles, pipes, pails, drinking glasses, and insulation for wire and cable.

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polyethylene

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | Copyright

pol·y·eth·yl·ene / ˌpälēˈe[unvoicedth]əlēn/ • n. a tough, light, flexible synthetic resin made by polymerizing ethylene, chiefly used for plastic bags, food containers, and other packaging.

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"polyethylene." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"polyethylene." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-polyethylene.html

"polyethylene." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-polyethylene.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Polyethylene 101.(The Last Word ...) Magazine article from: Underground Construction; 6/1/2004
	Polyethylene is costly and tight but pressures may soon relax. Magazine article from: Purchasing; 4/8/2010
	Polyethylene: new directions for a commodity thermoplastic. Magazine article from: Chemistry and Industry; 3/17/1997