Polyethylene
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 is produced in industrial quantities through the use of catalysts. Common catalysts include chromium trioxide and metallocene. Polyethylene can be produced in-situ using Ethylene as feedstock.
Properties
Embodied energy: about 100 MJ/kg, depending on the variety.
Density:
Melting point:
Strength:
Use
Polyethylene is used widely on Earth, and will likely have many applications in a Martian settlement.
References
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