Differences Between Polyethylene and Polyurethane

Polyethylene and polyurethane are two types of plastic materials used to manufacture a wide range of items, including common consumer goods. There are, however, some distinct differences between these materials in both chemical composition and how they are used.

Polyethylene is among the most widely used plastic polymers. In fact, when most people describe something as being made of the generic term “plastic,” chances are they’re describing polyethylene. Polyethylene is used to manufacture items such as shopping bags, toys, shampoo bottles and even bulletproof vests. Chemically, the structure of polyethylene is the simplest of all commercial polymers. It consists of a long chain of carbon atoms with two hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon atom.

Polyurethane typically is used to manufacture foam, such as the kind found in padded furniture. However, polyurethane also is a highly versatile polymer. In addition to foam, polyurethane can be a fiber and an elastomer because of its elastic properties. Polyurethane is used to manufacture paints and adhesives. It also is a key component in spandex and lycra, stretchy man-made materials typically used in clothing.