A vinyl polymer made from ethylene. It can be branched or linear. Branched or low-density polyethylene is tough and pliable but not to the same degree as linear polyethylene. Linear or high-density polyethylene has a greater hardness and tensile strength. Polyethylene is used in a variety of products, including implants and prostheses.
Entry Term(s)
HDPE
High-Density Polyethylene
LDPE
Low-Density Polyethylene
Polythene
CAS Type 1 Name
Ethene, homopolymer
Previous Indexing
Polyethylenes (1983-1999)
Polymers (1978-1982)
Polypropylenes (1983-1999)
Public MeSH Note
2000; POLYTHENE was indexed under POLYETHYLENES & POLYPROPYLENES 1983-1999 & POLYMERS 1978-1982
A vinyl polymer made from ethylene. It can be branched or linear. Branched or low-density polyethylene is tough and pliable but not to the same degree as linear polyethylene. Linear or high-density polyethylene has a greater hardness and tensile strength. Polyethylene is used in a variety of products, including implants and prostheses.
