Difference between revisions of "Polyethylene"

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'''Polyethylene''' is a [[polymer]] of [[ethylene]]. It is non-toxic and easily [[recycling|recycled]].
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[[File:Polyethylene repeat unit.svg|thumb|200x200px|Polyethylene molecule]]
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'''Polyethylene''' is a [[polymer]] of [[ethylene]]. It is non-toxic and easily [[recycling|recycled]]. Polyethylene is a [[Synthetic materials|synthetic material]], and is the most common plastic produced on Earth.  This may be true on Mars as well.
  
==Synthesis==
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==[[In-situ resource utilization|In situ Production]]==
Polyethylene is produced in industrial quantities through the use of [[catalyst|catalysts]]. Common catalysts include chromium trioxide and metallocene.
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__NOTOC__
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Polyethylene (PE) is produced in industrial quantities from [[ethylene]] through the use of [[catalyst|catalysts]]. Common catalysts include chromium trioxide and metallocene.
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==Properties==
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*Embodied energy: about 100 MJ/kg, depending on the variety.
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*Density: 880–960 kg/m3
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*Melting point: 115–135 °C
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*Strength:
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**Low density Polyethylene(LDPE): 7 MPa (1000 psi)
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**High Density Polyethylene(HDPE): 20 MPa (2900 psi)
  
 
==Use==
 
==Use==
Polyethylene is used widely on [[Earth]], and will likely have many applications in a martian [[settlement]].
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Polyethylene is used widely on [[Earth]], and will likely have many applications in a Martian [[settlement]].
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Polyethylene is available as LDPE (low density polyethylene) and HDPE (high density polyethylene).
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==References==
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[[w:Polyethylene|Wikipedia article]]
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[[category:Materials]]
  
[[category:chemistry]]
 
[[category:ISRU]]
 
 
{{stub}}
 
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 12:43, 15 May 2023

Polyethylene molecule

Polyethylene is a polymer of ethylene. It is non-toxic and easily recycled. Polyethylene is a synthetic material, and is the most common plastic produced on Earth. This may be true on Mars as well.

In situ Production

Polyethylene (PE) is produced in industrial quantities from ethylene through the use of catalysts. Common catalysts include chromium trioxide and metallocene.

Properties

  • Embodied energy: about 100 MJ/kg, depending on the variety.
  • Density: 880–960 kg/m3
  • Melting point: 115–135 °C
  • Strength:
    • Low density Polyethylene(LDPE): 7 MPa (1000 psi)
    • High Density Polyethylene(HDPE): 20 MPa (2900 psi)

Use

Polyethylene is used widely on Earth, and will likely have many applications in a Martian settlement. Polyethylene is available as LDPE (low density polyethylene) and HDPE (high density polyethylene).

References

Wikipedia article

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