Polyethylene is a plastic that has different characteristics depending on the structure.

There is:
- Linear HD-PE (high density PE) with high strength
- Branched LD-PE (low density) of lower strength but higher toughness
- Ultra high molecular weight PE (UHMW PE) with high strength and excellent sliding properties can only be machine processed

All varieties have good electrical insulation properties and are chemically very resistant.

Polyethylene is used in temperature ranges from -50° celsius to +80° celsius. LD-PE can be used in ranges up to +100° celsius.