Polyethylene vs Plastic Resins: Similarities and Differences

Resins have been in use by humeri, the most commonly used resin was found naturally; plant extracts were used for the purpose of sealing various items such as food containers and even mummies! However, the resin that is most commonly used today is produced synthetically. The primary reason behind using synthetic resin is the cost. They are cheaper than naturally found resins and also considered stabler and more uniform. Owing to the fact that they are produced in a controlled environment their behaviour is also not as erratic as naturally found resins.

Plastic Resins

What are the uses of resins?

A resin is primarily obtained by mixing two key ingredients — turpentine and rosin. Resin is mostly used for industrial purposes and is known for its hardening quality. It is used in the creation of food containers, pipes and also in building automotive parts. Other than that, they are used in plastics, paints and varnishes and also in the textile industry.

Plastic resin

As any plastic resin supplier will tell you, this type of resin consists of various types that are used in various ways. Plastic is almost synonymous with modern everyday lives. We encounter it on a daily basis — from shopping bags, to food containers, to toys… the list is endless. Plastic resin is synthetically produced in a number of ways. For example, when ethylene monomers (short chain molecules of chemicals) are brought together they form polyethylene resin. The broadest types of plastic resin are thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermoset resins consist of chains of molecules that react during processing, and alter their characteristics. Thermoset resin cannot be reused or even recycled. Thermoplastic resins, on the other hand, consist of molecules that do not chemically react with each other. This resin can be remelted and reused for a number of times and also combined with other elements such as colour additives to achieve the desired resin.

Polyethylene resins

Polyethylene resin is one of the most commonly produced and used resin. Earlier it was primarily used in creating parts of weaponry such as radar cable. However, today, it is estimated that polyethylene resin is the most abundantly produced resin in the United States of America. It is created by bringing together of ethylene monomers which form what is known as polymers. Because it is so inexpensive to produce, polyethylene resin is used in making plastic bags, tubes and also some toys. Polyethylene resin is also found naturally as a by-product when petroleum is burnt. Although some variety of this resin is recyclable, there are environmental concerns regarding using it. There are three main types of polyethylene resins: low density polymers are used as lubricants, medium density polymers are used in elements such as paraffin and high density polymers are used in the plastics industry. Most plastic bags are not biodegradable and hence raise the issue of pollution and adding to the pressure of landfills contaminating the quality of air and water in cities and towns.

Plastic is present in almost all elements of our lives. From our cables to our crockery, you will find it in various forms. Although inexpensive and easy to produce, plastic does have an adverse effect on the environment. Recent years have witnessed a positive attitude in experts who are constantly innovating to reduce the impact that it has on nature.