Polyethylene (PE for short) is a thermoplastic resin made by polymerization of ethylene. In industry, it also includes copolymers of ethylene and a small amount of α-olefin. Polyethylene is odorless, non-toxic, feels like wax, has excellent low temperature resistance (the lowest temperature can reach -100~-70°C), has good chemical stability, and can withstand most acids and alkalis (not resistant to oxidation) Nature of acid). It is insoluble in general solvents at room temperature, has low water absorption and excellent electrical insulation.
On October 27, 2017, the list of carcinogens published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization was preliminarily compiled and referenced. Polyethylene was included in the list of three types of carcinogens.