What Is CAS:9002-88-4 (Polyethylene)? Types, Properties, and Applications

CAS:9002-88-4 refers to polyethylene, commonly abbreviated as PE. I use this CAS number to identify a broad family of thermoplastic polymers made from ethylene monomers, rather than one single grade with identical performance in every application. Polyethylene is valued for its low density, chemical resistance, moisture barrier, electrical insulation, and processing flexibility, but the correct grade depends on factors such as density, molecular structure, melt flow, and end use.

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In B2B purchasing, I recommend treating CAS:9002-88-4 as a material identity reference first and a complete product specification second. Buyers should still request the exact polyethylene type, grade, form, additives, technical data, packaging, and quality documentation before approving an order. At Xinshangrui, we help chemical reagent and industrial material buyers clarify these requirements before quotation and shipment.

What Does CAS:9002-88-4 Identify?

Polyethylene is a polymer with repeating ethylene-derived units, commonly represented by the structural formula (C₂H₄)_n. The polymer backbone is primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen, while branching, molecular weight distribution, additives, and processing conditions influence the final properties. Because commercial polyethylene includes several material families, the CAS number alone does not define a precise melt flow rate, density, color, or mechanical grade.

I distinguish polyethylene from a finished article made from polyethylene. A resin, powder, pellet, film, molded component, and laboratory sample may all be based on PE but can have different specifications and compliance requirements. For accurate sourcing, I suggest confirming whether the buyer needs a neat polymer, compounded grade, masterbatch, powder, pellet, or customized formulation.

Core Properties and Functions of Polyethylene

Polyethylene is a thermoplastic, so it can soften when heated and solidify when cooled under suitable processing conditions. Its nonpolar structure generally provides useful resistance to water and many common acids, alkalis, and salts, although compatibility must be checked against concentration, temperature, exposure time, and mechanical stress. PE is also widely used as an electrical insulating material because it normally has low moisture absorption and good dielectric behavior.

• Low density: Typical polyethylene density is approximately 0.91–0.97 g/cm³, depending on grade and branching.
• Thermal behavior: Melting ranges commonly fall around 105–135 °C across major commercial PE families, with the exact range controlled by structure and crystallinity.
• Moisture resistance: PE is generally hydrophobic and is therefore used for films, liners, containers, and protective packaging.
• Processability: Manufacturers can process PE through extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, and related methods.
• Electrical insulation: Polyethylene is used in insulation and cable-related applications where the selected grade meets the required electrical and thermal conditions.

These values are general ranges rather than a substitute for a product specification. I always advise buyers to review the supplier’s technical data sheet because additives, comonomers, molecular weight, and processing history can materially change performance.

Major Types of Polyethylene

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

LDPE has a relatively branched molecular structure, which usually gives it flexibility, softness, and good film-forming behavior. I commonly associate LDPE with packaging films, liners, squeeze bottles, coated paper, and flexible tubing. It can be a practical choice when flexibility and moisture resistance are more important than maximum stiffness or high-temperature performance.

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

LLDPE has a more linear backbone with short-chain branching and is widely used where films require a balance of flexibility, puncture resistance, and tensile performance. It is common in stretch film, agricultural film, packaging film, and industrial liners. The required comonomer system and melt flow should be confirmed because LLDPE grades can differ significantly in processing behavior.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE generally has less branching and higher crystallinity than LDPE, which contributes to greater stiffness, strength, and chemical resistance in many applications. I see HDPE used in containers, drums, pipes, sheets, caps, household products, and industrial components. Its higher rigidity can be beneficial, but it may not be suitable when the design requires a soft, highly flexible material.

Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE)

MDPE provides an intermediate balance between the flexibility of lower-density grades and the stiffness of HDPE. It can be selected for certain pipes, fittings, films, and protective products where impact resistance and controlled flexibility are required. The actual performance depends on the grade design and processing method, so I recommend evaluating a sample or technical data before scale-up.

Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

UHMWPE is engineered with an extremely high molecular weight and is known for strong wear resistance, low friction, and impact resistance. It is used in specialized liners, wear components, guides, and demanding mechanical applications. Because its processing requirements differ from those of conventional PE, buyers should not assume that a standard polyethylene pellet can replace UHMWPE.

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Common Polyethylene Applications

Polyethylene is used across packaging, construction, electrical, agriculture, chemical handling, healthcare-related products, and general manufacturing. Films and bags benefit from its moisture barrier and low weight, while containers and drums benefit from its processability and resistance to many chemicals. In construction and infrastructure, selected PE grades may be used for pipes, geomembranes, cable protection, and rotationally molded products.

In chemical handling, I recommend checking the exact chemical environment rather than relying only on the general term “chemical resistant.” Strong oxidizing agents, elevated temperatures, hydrocarbons, solvents, and long-term mechanical loading can affect suitability. A compatibility review should consider concentration, operating temperature, wall thickness, stress, and expected service life.

Key Specifications I Recommend Confirming

When I prepare a polyethylene purchasing inquiry, I first identify the material form and intended process. Buyers should specify whether they need pellets, powder, film, sheet, or another form, because packaging and handling requirements differ. The inquiry should also state the target application, annual volume, trial quantity, destination, and required delivery schedule.

• Polymer type: LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE, UHMWPE, or another defined grade.
• Density: Usually reported in g/cm³ and useful for confirming the general material class.
• Melt flow rate: Commonly reported in g/10 min under a specified test condition; it influences processing behavior.
• Mechanical properties: Tensile strength, elongation, impact resistance, hardness, and stiffness where relevant.
• Thermal data: Melting behavior, recommended processing temperature, and service-temperature requirements.
• Additives and appearance: Natural or colored material, UV stabilizers, antioxidants, slip agents, fillers, or other formulation details.
• Documentation: Technical data sheet, safety data sheet where applicable, lot information, and agreed inspection requirements.

I treat melt flow rate as a processing indicator, not a complete quality judgment. Two grades with similar density may perform differently because of molecular weight distribution, branching, additives, or production history. For regulated, safety-critical, or high-performance applications, I recommend confirming the required test methods and acceptance limits before purchasing.

How Buyers Should Select CAS:9002-88-4

Match the Type to the Processing Method

Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, rotational molding, and film production place different demands on the resin. I ask buyers to identify the equipment, mold or die design, target output, and processing window before recommending a grade. A material that performs well in film extrusion may not be appropriate for a thick-wall molded component.

Evaluate Performance and Total Cost

The lowest quoted price may not produce the lowest total cost if the grade causes high scrap, unstable processing, poor sealing, or premature product failure. I suggest comparing price per kilogram together with yield, cycle time, packaging, freight, quality control, and technical support. For export orders, buyers should also confirm the available packing size, pallet configuration, shipping terms, and import documentation.

Confirm Supply and Quality Controls

Reliable sourcing requires more than confirming that the product is called polyethylene. I recommend checking batch consistency, storage conditions, packaging integrity, production lead time, minimum order quantity, and the supplier’s ability to provide pre-shipment documentation. If the application is new, a representative sample and a defined approval process can reduce the risk of buying an unsuitable grade.

Xinshangrui Supplier Support

As a Chemical Reagents supplier, manufacturer, and exporter, Xinshangrui supports buyers who need clearer product identification and practical sourcing coordination for CAS:9002-88-4. I can help organize inquiries around polymer type, physical form, intended application, quantity, packaging, destination, and documentation requirements. Where the requested product depends on a specific technical grade, I recommend confirming the exact specification before quotation rather than assuming that every polyethylene product is interchangeable.

For international B2B orders, I can also coordinate basic commercial details such as available package formats, sample requirements, lead-time expectations, and export documentation. These details depend on the selected grade and order quantity, so I provide them after reviewing the buyer’s requirements. This approach helps create a more accurate comparison between suppliers and reduces avoidable specification gaps.

Summary Insight

CAS:9002-88-4 identifies polyethylene, a broad thermoplastic polymer family that includes LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE, and UHMWPE. Its key advantages include low density, moisture resistance, chemical resistance in many environments, electrical insulation, and flexible processing options. However, the CAS number does not define the exact grade, so density, melt flow rate, additives, mechanical performance, processing method, and documentation must be confirmed separately.

Conclusion: What Is CAS:9002-88-4?

CAS:9002-88-4 is polyethylene, but selecting the right commercial product requires more detail than the CAS number alone. I recommend starting with the application and processing method, then confirming the required PE type, specifications, packaging, quantity, and quality documents. Buyers who need sourcing assistance can send Xinshangrui their target application and technical requirements for a product and supply review before placing an inquiry.

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