High molecular weight polyethylene production

Functional polyethylene waxes provide both the physical properties obtained by the high molecular weight polyethylene wax and the chemical properties of an oxidised product, or one derived from a fatty alcohol or acid. The functional groups improve adhesion to polar substrates, compatibHity with polar materials, and dispersibHity into water. Uses include additives for inks and coatings, pigment dispersions, plastics, cosmetics, toners, and adhesives. 

Rothe, H. J., Heinze, H., Whitehead, B. D. and Priepke, G., Process for the continuous production of high molecular weight polyethylene tereph-thalate), US Patent 4 064112, 1977. 

Polyethylene oxide very high molecular weight nonionic products, available as solid grades or dispersion/slurry... 

Major markets for LDPE are in packaging and sheeting, whereas HDPE is used mainly in blow-molded products (milk bottles, household and cosmetic bottles, fuel tanks), and in pipe, wire, and cable applications. Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene materials (see later), which are the toughest of plastics, are doing an unusual job in the textile machinery field. 

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