Short definition
Polyethylene (PE) is a synthetic thermoplastic fibre produced by polymerisation and melt spinning. It combines high abrasion and chemical resistance with low density and good resistance to rot, making it suitable for lightweight and technically demanding applications. Certain high-performance polyethylene variants offer exceptionally high strength-to-weight performance.
Properties
- High abrasion resistance
- High alkali and acid resistance
- Good rot resistance
- Low density
Temperatures
- Melting point: approx. 160°C to 175°C depending on type
Quick facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Synthetic / high-performance fibre |
| Abbreviation | PE |
| Density | Low |
| Abrasion resistance | High |
| Chemical resistance | High resistance to acids and alkalis |
| Biological resistance | Good rot resistance |
| Heat behaviour | Thermoplastic |
| Melting point | Approx. 160–175°C depending on type |
| High-performance variant | UHMWPE |
| Typical applications | Protective products, lightweight technical textiles, high-performance constructions |
Also known as
Technical terms
- Polyethylene
- PE
- Polyethylene fibre
- Polyethylene sewing thread
- High-performance polyethylene
- UHMWPE
- Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
Common descriptions
- PE thread
- Polyethylene thread
- Lightweight high-strength thread
- High-performance PE thread
- UHMWPE thread
- Low-density sewing thread
- Chemical-resistant thread
- Lightweight technical thread
- What is polyethylene fibre?
- What is UHMWPE?
- Is PE thread lightweight?
- Which thread has a high strength-to-weight ratio?
International terminology
| Language | Common terminology |
|---|---|
| English | Polyethylene, PE, Polyethylene fibre, UHMWPE, High-performance polyethylene |
| German | Polyethylen, PE, Polyethylenfaser, UHMWPE, Hochleistungs-PE |
| French | Polyéthylène, PE, Fibre de polyéthylène, UHMWPE |
| Italian | Polietilene, PE, Fibra di polietilene, UHMWPE |
| Spanish | Polietileno, PE, Fibra de polietileno, UHMWPE |
| Chinese | 聚乙烯, PE, 聚乙烯纤维, 超高分子量聚乙烯, UHMWPE |
| Vietnamese | Polyethylene, PE, Xơ polyethylene, UHMWPE |
FAQ
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Polyethylene fibres are produced by polymerisation. The polymer melt is then processed into fibres using the melt spinning process.
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Polyethylene offers high abrasion resistance, very good chemical resistance and low density, making it suitable for lightweight and durable technical applications.
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Yes. Polyethylene has high resistance to alkalis and acids, supporting its use in chemically demanding environments.
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Polyethylene provides good rot resistance, contributing to durability in outdoor and marine applications.
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Low density results in a lightweight fibre, which can be advantageous in performance-driven or weight-sensitive applications.
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Polyethylene has a melting point between approximately 160°C and 175°C, depending on the type.
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Due to its melting range, temperature control during sewing and processing is important to avoid thermal damage.
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Polyethylene threads are commonly used in high-performance technical textiles, protective applications and lightweight constructions where strength-to-weight ratio is critical.
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Yes. Polyethylene is thermoplastic and softens or melts when exposed to high temperatures.
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Certain high-performance variants, such as those based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, offer exceptional strength combined with low weight.