Polyethylene

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. The catalysts might initially come from Earth, and eventually be produced in-situ themselves as demand rises.

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).