Polythene: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
polythene
[ หpษlษชฮธiหn ]
material science
Polythene, also known as polyethylene, is a common thermoplastic polymer made from the polymerization of ethylene. It is widely used in various applications due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to moisture, making it ideal for packaging materials and plastic bags.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The grocery store uses polythene bags for packaging groceries.
- Many toys are made from polythene because of its resilience.
- Polythene sheets are often used as a vapour barrier in construction.
Translations
Translations of the word "polythene" in other languages:
๐ต๐น polietileno
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคฒเฅเคฅเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Polyethylen
๐ฎ๐ฉ polietilena
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะปะฐััะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ polietylen
๐ฏ๐ต ใใชใจใใฌใณ
๐ซ๐ท polyรฉthylรจne
๐ช๐ธ polietileno
๐น๐ท polietilen
๐ฐ๐ท ํด๋ฆฌ์ํธ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุจููู ุฅูุซูููู
๐จ๐ฟ polyethylen
๐ธ๐ฐ polyetylรฉn
๐จ๐ณ ่ไน็ฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ polietilen
๐ฎ๐ธ pรณlรฝetรฝlen
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟะพะปะธััะธะปะตะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ polietilen
๐ฒ๐ฝ polietileno
Word origin
The term 'polythene' is derived from 'polyethylene', which itself comes from the Greek prefix 'poly-', meaning 'many', and the 'ethylene', derived from 'ethane', the simplest alkane hydrocarbon. Ethylene was first discovered in the 19th century, and polyethylene was first synthesized in 1898 by chemist Hermann Staudinger. However, its significant commercial production started in the 1930s. Polythene became popular after WWII due to its versatility and low cost, leading to applications in various industries including packaging, consumer products, and construction. The widespread use of polythene has raised environmental concerns, given its longevity and the difficulties associated with its disposal. As a result, there are growing efforts to promote recycling and develop biodegradable alternatives.