Who discovered polyethylene in 1898?
German chemist Hans von Pechmann discovered polyethylene in 1898 while investigating diazomethane. His colleagues Eugen Bamberger and Friedrich Tschirner later identified the substance as polymethylene.
Common questions about Polyethylene
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did commercial production of polyethylene begin?
Commercial production of polyethylene began in 1939 after Michael Perrin refined the high-pressure synthesis process. Large-scale facilities were established by DuPont and Union Carbide Corporation in Texas and West Virginia by 1944.
What is the density range of low-density polyethylene?
Low-density polyethylene ranges from 0.910 to 0.940 g/cm³. This material features a high degree of branching which prevents chains from packing tightly into a crystal structure.
How much mass do Galleria mellonella caterpillars reduce in polyethylene?
Galleria mellonella caterpillars reduce the mass of polyethylene by 10% through gut bacteria and saliva enzymes. These organisms can degrade polyethylene significantly, reducing its tensile strength by 50% and molecular weights of its polymeric chains by 13%.
Where is the bio-based polyethylene facility located in Brazil?
The bio-based polyethylene facility is located in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This joint venture between Braskem and Toyota Tsusho Corporation produces high-density and low-density polyethylene from sugarcane-derived bioethanol.