Polyethylene floating units in inland transport

Polyethylene, used so far in the food industry, in the construction of water and gas pipelines, or even as machine parts, turns out to be a material with much greater application possibilities. One of the possibilities is the construction of small and medium-sized floating units – in Poland, in this field, the material is completely unknown and unused.1. POLYETHYLENE
Polyethylene is a plastic with a very high degree of polymerization, resistant to acids, bases, salts, and most chemical and organic compounds. Its technical properties ensure its wide application in industry, machine construction, and, as it turns out, also in shipbuilding. Polyethylene is distinguished by very good sliding properties while maintaining very high resistance to abrasion and cutting (e.g., with a knife). The slippery surface of polyethylene eliminates the problem of freezing or other elements sticking to it. Resistant to weather conditions, it does not require maintenance, and its corrosion resistance guarantees a long service life for the elements made from it. Additionally, the material does not absorb moisture, which guarantees constant dimensions and properties when working in a high-humidity environment. And the specific weight ranging from 910 kg/m for low-density polyethylene (designated PE-LD) to 980 kg/m for high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) ensures its buoyancy. The material is also recyclable.
2. PE UNITS
The use of polyethylene as a material for the production of floating units raises basic questions: (…)

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