Polyethylene is the most commonly used plastic in the world with annual consumption rates exceeding 50 billion pounds per year. PE is also Porex’s most frequently used raw material in the production of Porex’s porous plastics. Over 70 percent of Porex’s products use polyethylene.

With a linear molecular structure of repeating –CH2-CH2-units, PE is a semi-crystalline polymer. In general, PE is considered a strong, lightweight thermoplastic with very good chemical resistance. Further, the polymer elongates before breaking, which enhances the toughness of porous parts made from PE. Products made from standard polyethylene grades typically have pore size diameters ranging from 7 to 150 micrometers. However, these nominal values can be increased to 300 micrometers with special blends.

Polyethylene is resistant to concentrated acids, alkalies and many organic solvents. Most of Porex’s polyethylene grades are suitable for use in continuous service at temperatures up to 180F (82C) and intermittently at 240F (116C). If not stressed, Porex’s PE grades are stable at 212F (100C) in continuous service applications.