Polyethylenes are the key thermoplastics when it comes to manufacturing films. Due to many variations in production, there is a wide range of extremely diverse PE products. There are 3 main groups of polyethylenes based on the density and structure of the polymer chains. The variants are made using different methods and each have specific properties. Due to the sheer variety of PE products, there are however some that overlap and merge these main groups. Polyethylene can be processed into mono films, but the majority is used to produce compound films and composite materials. PE films are predominately manufactured using the blown film method. This method enhances the mechanical properties of the material and allows various polyethylenes to be combined. A small proportion of polyethylene films are made using the flat film extrusion method. As the film is not stretched here, the films produced are of a low strength. They do however possess better optical properties and a softer feel. Embossing enables soft protective packaging to be produced as wrapping material.
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