The difference between PET and polyethylene

While PET or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) may look similar to each other, these two materials have completely separate polymers with different properties and applications. If you are hesitating between PET and polyethylene to make your product, you should check the characteristics of these two plastics such as chemical structure, appearance, temperature resistance, cost and environmental effects.

What is the difference between polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE)?

These two products have many uses in the industry and that is why you can find them in grocery stores to industrial factories. These two polymers, which are monomers, have different molecules and thus have distinct properties. In the following, we will examine some of these cases.

Chemical structure

Polyethylene (PE) is a repeating chain of ethylene molecules. The chemical structure of pe consists of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms and has the chemical formula n(c2h2).

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polymer made of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid and its chemical formula is n(c10h8o4). The chemical formula of pet indicates a repeating chain of monomers with carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms.

Mechanical properties

Polyethylene has different physical properties depending on its different forms, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE). HDPE is a flexible and rigid material and LDPE is soft, while being easier to stretch.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a strong and lightweight plastic that has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it a versatile and affordable material. Also, PET is one of the most transparent plastics, which is used to produce plastic bottles and transparent packaging. But polyethylene varies from transparent to opaque depending on the density of the polymer.

Applications of PET and polyethylene

PET or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be used for food packaging, polyester fibers, bottles and microwaveable containers. The uses of polyethylene (PE) depend on the density, but its common uses are in storage containers, plastic bags, beverage bottles, and household items.

Applications of polyethylene (PE)

    bags
    food containers
    Plastic trays
    bottles
    Water pipes
    kitchen utensils
    wire insulation

Applications of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

    Bottles of water and soft drinks
    Microwaveable dishes
    Car parts
    Food packaging
    Polyester fabrics

Comparing the advantages of PET and polyethylene

Advantages of polyethylene (pe)

    Availability
    low cost
    Resistant to wear and tear
    Electrical insulation
    Different thicknesses and transparencies
    Easy recycling