Polyethylene is a strong plastic made from petroleum, commonly used in items such as shopping bags and bulletproof vests. Thin sheets are sold in rolls and used in commercial and industrial businesses, as well as in construction and agriculture. Thicker sheets are used for cutting boards and signage. Environmentalists are concerned about its non-biodegradable nature, but research is ongoing to find ways to break it down.
A polyethylene sheet is a plastic film made from one of the most commonly used plastics. Like all plastics, polyethylene is a petroleum product. It’s a very strong plastic that can be found in items ranging from shopping bags to bulletproof vests. When made thin, about 0.01 to 0.4 inches (about 0.3 to 10 millimeters) thick, this material is more properly called polyethylene film. These films are normally translucent, although they can be made opaque with the use of additives.
Thin sheets of polyethylene are sold in rolls and used in many commercial and industrial businesses. The material does not rot and is resistant to many chemicals. It is not damaged by extreme weather conditions making it a good choice for many types of outdoor applications and the sheets can be reused many times.
Polyethylene is used for many types of waterproofing and can be a permanent weather barrier on exterior walls. It is used in construction and renovation projects, especially as a vapor barrier in walls. The film is commonly used to temporarily seal rooms and to cover building materials. The sheets can be used as a painter’s drape or over hardening concrete to help it retain moisture. Some tarps and tents are also made from polyethylene.
Sheets also have agricultural uses. They are often used as a weed barrier in landscaping projects and can be used as walls and roofs for a temporary greenhouse.
Thicker polyethylene sheets are rigid or semi-rigid. They have high tensile strength and smooth surface, and are quite resistant to abrasion and environmental stress cracking. Normally, the thicker sheets are white, but can be produced in a variety of colors. Polyethylene often comes in standard size panels. Sometimes, the larger panels are shaped with accordion folds to make them easier to transport, as they are used extensively in the construction industry.
High-density polyethylene sheet is used for the cutting boards and provides a sturdy, chemical-resistant worktop. This type of foil is also often used for signage. Some are 2 inches (5.08 cm) thick.
Environmentalists aren’t particularly fond of products made from polyethylene. Plastic takes centuries to decompose, so it’s not considered a biodegradable material. It can be recycled, but most of the time it is discarded. However, work to find ways to break it down continues, and in 2008, a Canadian student found that one type of bacteria can degrade about 40 percent of a set amount of polyethylene plastic bags, measured by weight, within three months. .
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