Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer with a variable crystal structure and a wide range of applications depending on the particular type. It is one of the most produced plastics in the world

 

There are several types of polyethylene, and each suits a different range of applications. In general, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is more crystalline, and is often used under very different conditions than low-density polyethylene (LDPE). For example, LDPE is widely used in plastic packaging, such as grocery bags or plastic wrap. By contrast, HDPE has common applications in construction (for example, in its use in the manufacture of drainpipes). Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW) has high-performance applications in things like medical devices and flak jackets.