How to distinguish between PET plastic bottles and PE plastic bottles
Observe the bottle opening: The inner wall of the PET bottle opening is neat and clean, with distinct threads; the PE bottle opening may be relatively rough, with threads less distinct than those of PET.
Check the bottom: The bottom of a PET bottle usually has a dot; the bottom of a PE bottle may have a line or other markings.
Check the numerical markings: There is usually a triangular recycling symbol on the bottom of the plastic bottle, with a number inside. The number for PET plastic bottles is “1”; PE plastic bottles are divided into HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and LDPE (low-density polyethylene), with numbers “2” and ‘4’ respectively (but HDPE, i.e., number “2,” is more common in daily life).
Sensory judgment: When squeezing the plastic bottle with your hand, a loud sound indicates a PET plastic bottle; a wax-like texture and softer feel indicate a PE plastic bottle.
II. Main Differences
1. Physical Properties
Hardness and Toughness: PET plastic bottles are harder and have a certain degree of strength and toughness, with stable dimensions; PE plastic bottles are relatively softer, with a waxy feel, but still possess a certain degree of mechanical strength.
Transparency: PET plastic bottles have high transparency, clearly displaying the appearance of the contents inside; PE plastic bottles have relatively lower transparency but still maintain a certain degree of transparency.
Temperature Resistance: PET plastic bottles have high temperature resistance but cannot withstand high temperatures, typically suitable for temperatures below 60°C; PE plastic bottles have relatively low temperature resistance and are more suitable for temperatures below 40°C, especially bottles made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which can maintain stable physical properties over a wider temperature range.
2. Chemical Properties
Chemical Resistance: PET plastic bottles have good gas barrier properties and excellent chemical resistance; PE plastic bottles can withstand corrosion from most acids and alkalis, making them particularly important for products that need to avoid chemical reactions with packaging materials.
Insulation Properties: PE polyethylene has excellent insulation properties, is insoluble in common solvents at room temperature, and is resistant to dilute sulfuric acid, dilute nitric acid, and other acid, alkali, and salt solutions.
3. Applications
PET Plastic Bottles: Due to their high transparency, lightweight nature, and moderate strength, they are suitable for packaging gas, liquid, or solid products, particularly weakly acidic tea beverages and weakly acidic or neutral fruit juice beverages.
PE plastic bottles: Due to their non-toxicity, odorlessness, good low-temperature resistance, and high mechanical strength, they are suitable for packaging liquid products such as water and detergents, and are also commonly used for packaging food, medicine, and other products.
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